Wayne Rooney believes Portugal players did not support Cristiano Ronaldo the way Argentina rallies behind Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Portugal's 1-0 Round of 16 loss to Spain, Rooney praised Argentina's unity around Messi while questioning Portugal's team dynamic. Ronaldo, who confirmed it was his final World Cup, finished with three goals before Portugal coach Roberto Martinez announced his departure.Portugal's FIFA World Cup campaign ended with more questions than answers, and Wayne Rooney believes the biggest issue goes beyond tactics. After Portugal's 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain, the former England captain suggested Cristiano Ronaldo lacked the same level of backing from his teammates that Lionel Messi continues to receive from Argentina, drawing a sharp comparison between football's two greatest modern rivals.Wayne Rooney compares Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after Portugal's World Cup exitPortugal's elimination came after a frustrating performance against Spain, with Ronaldo enduring another difficult night in what he has already confirmed will be his final FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old completed the full 90 minutes but managed only 19 touches and three shots, while striker Gonçalo Ramos remained on the bench despite scoring the winner against Croatia in the previous round.Ronaldo finished the tournament with three goals. Two came against Uzbekistan, while his other goal was a penalty against Croatia. However, his overall displays drew criticism as Portugal failed to make the most of one of their strongest squads in recent years.Speaking on BBC after the match, Rooney pointed to a major difference between Portugal and defending champions Argentina."You always put Ronaldo and Messi together because they are two of the best players the game has ever seen," Rooney said on BBC."But the Argentinian lads seem like they're all there for Messi. They're all behind him. Messi has obviously been fantastic at this World Cup. I don't get that vibe from the Portuguese players."Rooney's comments immediately fueled debate among football fans, especially as Messi continues to lead Argentina's title defense with seven goals in the tournament.Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup ends with disappointmentPortugal entered the 2026 World Cup carrying high expectations thanks to a squad packed with elite talent. Players including Nuno Mendes, João Neves and Vitinha arrived after helping Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League, while Bruno Fernandes had just been named the Premier League Player of the Season.Despite that quality, Portugal struggled to translate its talent into consistent performances on the biggest stage. Rooney's observations suggested the issue may have been less about individual ability and more about the chemistry around Ronaldo.Following the defeat, Ronaldo reflected on the end of his World Cup journey with an emotional message."I'm sad to leave the World Cup this way," Ronaldo said post-match. "As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That's the life of a footballer. You have to move forward."It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there's time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment."Portugal's disappointing exit also brought changes on the sidelines, with head coach Roberto Martinez confirming he would step down from his role.For Ronaldo, the defeat marked the end of an extraordinary World Cup career that spanned decades and produced countless memorable moments. Rooney's comparison with Messi will likely continue to spark discussion, particularly as Argentina remain in the race for another world title. Whether Portugal lacked the same unity Rooney described is open to interpretation, but their early elimination has ensured every aspect of their campaign will remain under the spotlight for some time.