Ronaldo Out of Portugal Friendlies with Hamstring Injury

LISBON, Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Portugal's upcoming international friendlies against Mexico and the United States due to a hamstring injury, coach Roberto Martinez announced Friday, as the team finalizes preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The 41-year-old forward, who captains Portugal and plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has not appeared in a match since limping off during his club's 3-1 victory over Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League on February 28. Martinez described the injury as minor during a press conference, stating that Ronaldo could return to action within one or two weeks. "Everything Cristiano has done physically during this season shows that he's going through an excellent spell and that there are no physical problems," Martinez said. He added that Ronaldo's participation in what would be a record sixth World Cup appearance remains secure, with the center-forward position earmarked for both Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos, alongside a search for a third striker with a different profile.

The decision to exclude Ronaldo followed consultations between Al-Nassr's medical staff and Portugal's backroom team, prioritizing full recovery to avoid...