Joao Neves' social media hijacked with thousands of comments after Cristiano Ronaldo claim

Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves has found his Instagram comments infested with abuse from Cristiano Ronaldo fanatics.

Ronaldo, 41, captained Portugal to a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their Group K opener at the World Cup and his individual performance has been widely ridiculed.

The most-capped player in international men's football has nothing to prove at his sixth World Cup in 21 years but analysts noted that his diminished mobility and Portugal's over-reliance on his influence do not make for productive bedfellows.

Roberto Martinez's team took an early lead over the Leopards in Houston courtesy of a fine Neves header but they were unable to press home their advantage.

Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa equalised for DR Congo in first-half stoppage time and Portugal must now beat either Colombia or Uzbekistan to ensure safe passage into the round of 32.

While Ronaldo's status as a guaranteed starter has been questioned by many pundits outside Portugal, one person who has not doubted him in any way is Neves.

Ronaldo and Neves pictured during Portugal's World Cup opener. Image credit: Getty

Asked about the veteran forward after the DR Congo draw, the PSG man told reporters: "We know what Cristiano has done for us, for our national team, and for the world of football. But at this moment, he and we know that he is no different.

"He is just another player here to help. He is no different from the others. He is here to contribute, just like all of us.

"He played very well. I think the whole team played an excellent game."

Neves' comments were quite plainly a defence of Ronaldo and a tribute to his attitude as the leader of a squad packed with players who haven't achieved anything in the game to match him.

Yet there's no accounting for man's desire to feel slighted on behalf of a stranger, so Neves might now regret his well-intentioned attempt to frame Ronaldo as a team player.

Offended Ronaldo fans target his teammate's social media

The 21-year-old's next Instagram post sparked an avalanche of Ronaldo fans pointing out that Neves is a nobody playing in a team with a demigod, in between gifs of Ronaldo pointing at himself.

"Let me be clear: your comments about Cristiano Ronaldo were disrespectful and unprofessional," posted Instagram user adam__senpai, whose lofty lecture the football world was waiting for with bated breath but was far from the only one served up with a wag of the virtual finger.

"You don't have to like him, but you WILL respect him. This is the same man who has 5 Ballon d'Ors, 5 Champions Leagues, and is the all-time top scorer in football history. He's the reason millions of kids picked up a football, including players from your generation.

"You’re a young player with talent, but talent without respect means nothing. Legends built this game for you. Act like it.

"Show some class and keep Ronaldo's name out of your mouth unless it's with respect."