ARLINGTON, Texas — Cristiano Ronaldo said he leaves the FIFA World Cup with "a clear conscience" after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain on Monday brought an end to his record-breaking World Cup career.The 41-year-old captain, who had confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his sixth and final World Cup, walked off the pitch with little outward emotion after Portugal's Round of 16 elimination."Sad, it's normal after being eliminated like this," Ronaldo said. "I've given everything, I've given my best, and I leave with a clear conscience. This is football. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose."Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance ended without the fairytale finish he had hoped for. His best opportunity came in the first half when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón produced an outstanding save to deny him after João Félix's header deflected into his path.The Portugal captain finished the tournament with three goals, taking his overall World Cup tally to 11. He remains the all-time leader in international appearances and goals and is the only player to score in six consecutive World Cups.Despite his remarkable individual achievements, the World Cup trophy remained the one major honour missing from Ronaldo's career. Portugal's best finish during his six tournament appearances was a semifinal run in 2006.Asked about his future beyond international football, Ronaldo said he would take time before making any decisions."It was my last World Cup, but everything else I will have time to think about, to be with my family and not make any decision in the heat of the moment," he said.Portugal coach Roberto Martínez paid tribute to his captain, describing him as a role model whose impact extends far beyond his goals."He is an example and a football icon," Martínez said. "His dream was to win the World Cup, and throughout this tournament he showed what leadership and commitment mean."Ronaldo leaves the World Cup as one of the competition's greatest players, ending an international career that included three major trophies with Portugal, the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.