Portugal's national team manager Roberto Martínez has officially announced his roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo as he aims to make history by participating in his sixth tournament. The 41-year-old forward could become the first player to reach this milestone in North America, although Argentina's Lionel Messi may also achieve this if he chooses to play for his country.

Ronaldo's Legacy and Leadership

Ranked fifth in the world by FIFA, Portugal enters the tournament as one of the favorites, alongside teams like France, Spain, England, and Argentina. Martínez emphasized Ronaldo's dual role as both a global soccer icon and a dedicated team player, stating, “When we talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, we talk about two players. We talk about the icon of world soccer and we talk about the player, our captain, who has the same demands as the other players.” He further highlighted Ronaldo's leadership qualities, expressing a desire for him to maintain his level of responsibility within the squad.

Honoring Diogo Jota

In addition to discussing Ronaldo, Martínez paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away at the age of 28 in a car accident in Spain. Martínez remarked on the profound loss, saying, “To lose Diogo Jota was an unforgettable moment and a very difficult moment.” He added that the team feels a responsibility to honor Jota's legacy, stating, “The spirit, the strength, the example of Diogo Jota, the plus one. He will be the plus one forever.”

As Portugal prepares for the tournament, they aim to surpass their quarter-final exit from the previous World Cup in Qatar, which was their best showing since finishing in third place in 2006. With Ronaldo leading the charge, the team hopes to achieve greater success on the world stage.