Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Uruguay, Football World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly texted Piers Morgan about FIFA giving his 'goal' to Bruno Fernandes in Portugal's 2-0 victory over Uruguay.
Portugal qualified for the World Cup round of 16 on Monday evening with a comfortable victory at the Lusail Stadium.
Ronaldo thought he'd opened the scoring nine minutes into the second half after attempting to get a touch on Fernandes' cross.
Despite his celebrations, the goal wasn't given to Ronaldo. FIFA instead awarded it to Fernandes, judging his cross flew straight past Sergio Rochet without a touch from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Advert
At full-time, Ronaldo argued that the goal was his to anyone who would listen. It turns out one of his close friends off the pitch was more than willing.
TalkTV host Morgan recently spoke to Ronaldo for an explosive interview which effectively ended his Manchester United career.
Morgan is a vocal supporter of Ronaldo's on social media, even claiming he should've been awarded the goal on Twitter.
He tweeted: "Ronaldo confirmed to me that his head touched the ball. Even Bruno agrees."
Former USMNT international and current Fox Sport pundit Alexi Lalas claimed Ronaldo had gotten in contact with Morgan while the duo were together.
He said: "Breaking news is that Cristiano Ronaldo did not score, despite his claims that it did touch him.
"I was just with Piers Morgan. He said that Cristiano texted him from the locker room saying he believes that it touched his head. Who knows…"
Since Ronaldo's interview with Morgan, supporters online have created a meme poking fun at the duo.
A screenshot taken when Ronaldo refused to come on in United's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month is captioned: "I'm going to tell Piers Morgan."
Ronaldo is also edited to be wearing a rucksack and hat. A viral joke actually ended up becoming reality.
It's likely Ronaldo wanted the goal so he could move level with Eusebio on nine World Cup final goals - the most for Portugal.
Following the game, Ronaldo posted a message to Instagram which reads: "We are in the round of 16 of the World Cup! Great job, team! Against an opponent of great merit, we asserted our strength and our quality. Let's go! We are in the fight and our dream is still alive! Strength, Portugal!"
