From Lionel Messi, who made history as the player with most victories, to Kylian Mbappe becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer, while Didier Deschamps and Dick Advocaat also set coaching milestones, the tournament produced some of the most remarkable feats in World Cup history.

The final whistle did more than bring another match to its conclusion. It closed an argument that had endured for almost a quarter of a century, an argument that was never really about football but about the possibilities of a human life. For twenty-three extraordinary years, Cristiano Ronaldo invited the world to watch an experiment […]

“If he says Ronaldo, you might still want to do business with him. If he says Ronaldo is his GOAT, that’s perfectly okay. But ask him between Ronaldo and Messi who is a better footballer. If he says matter-of-factly that Ronaldo is a better footballer than Messi, pick up your shoes and run.”

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cup campaigns and silenced his critics after “a dark week” as the Portugal captain struck twice in a 5-0 annihilation of Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Ronaldo’s continued presence in Martinez’s team has sparked debate over whether he is still a positive influence.