Ronaldo in tears as Merino's stoppage-time goal ends Portugal's World Cup and his international career

Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career is over after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner handed Spain a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the World Cup Round of 16 in Boston, eliminating the five-time Ballon d’Or winner from the tournament he had declared would be his last.

The Arsenal midfielder’s late header was the sole difference between the sides, sending the European champions into the quarter-finals and bringing down the curtain on Ronaldo’s 23-year journey with the Seleção — a career that began in Chaves and ended on American soil. Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez also confirmed he would step down following the defeat.

Ronaldo, 41, had spoken candidly ahead of the tie about the weight of the occasion. “Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won’t be my last match,” he said. “I have given all I could to football — it’s my passion to play for so many years. I didn’t do it out of need, I’m doing well out of life. It’s about passion.”

He had also been measured in his self-assessment during the group stage, noting he had scored three goals while acknowledging others had outperformed him. “I think I’m not doing so bad,” he said. “You have to enjoy every match at a huge competition like the World Cup.”

After the final whistle, Ronaldo was surrounded by cameras as he soaked up the adulation of the crowd for the last time as Portugal captain — a visibly emotional farewell to a career that included ending Portugal’s long wait for major silverware when they won the European Championship in 2016.

Merino’s decisive contribution capped a disciplined Spanish performance under Luis de la Fuente, who now leads his side into the last eight with momentum firmly behind them.