Micah Richards accuses Cristiano Ronaldo critics of hypocrisy in Lionel Messi debate

Micah Richards has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo's critics after Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup, claiming there is an "agenda" against the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward.

Ronaldo's dream of winning the biggest prize in football came to an end in Dallas as Portugal were eliminated from this summer's World Cup.

Mikel Merino, who replaced Dani Olmo in the 85th minute of Monday's round of 16 clash, netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure Spain's spot in the quarter-final, where they will face Belgium on Friday (July 10).

Portugal, on the other hand, have been eliminated in all three of their knockout stage games against Spain in major tournaments, with their latest setback being the final World Cup game of Ronaldo's career.

Speaking in his post-match interview, the 41-year-old confirmed that he has played his last World Cup game.

“I am sad to leave like this but I have given everything, always given my best,” Ronaldo said. “I go with a clear conscience. This is football, it is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You have to carry on.

"It was my last World Cup, but as far as the rest of it is concerned: there will be time to think, to be with my family, [I will] not make decisions in the heat of the moment," he added.

READ MORE: Ruben Dias storms out of mixed zone in brutal interview after Portugal's World Cup exit

Ronaldo played in his final World Cup game on Monday. Image credit: Getty

In total, Ronaldo finished his World Cup career with 11 goals across six tournaments, with ten of those goals coming in the group stage. His only knockout stage goal came against Croatia last week.

The forward did score three goals in this year's competition but some have criticised Ronaldo's contribution, especially against Spain, a game in which he touched the ball just 19 times.

Micah Richards hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo critics

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast following Portugal's elimination, former England international Micah Richards accused Ronaldo's critics of hypocrisy.

"I don't like this Ronaldo slander," said Richards. "I don't like it at all. I agree he's one of the greatest players ever to play and from the start of the tournament, it seems as though there's an agenda against him.

"Of course he's not going to be running around like a spring chicken but for him to be at the World Cup and apply himself at this level and score at the world cup yeah the stats are not great but, I feel as though it's very hypocritical the way people talk about Ronaldo and Messi.

"Whether you like Ronaldo or whether you like Messi, we know Messi is not running around like he was doing two, three years ago. But we admire the genius that he brings to the team, the stats when he's walking around, and when the ball comes to him, he comes alive.

"Ronaldo, we know, and he's not been running for a while, but his movement in the box is still incredible."

Alan Shearer agreed with Richards' statement, adding: "It's very difficult to criticise a giant of the game, and what he has done, I mean, his records are like ridiculous."