Cristiano Ronaldo equals Lionel Messi record as Portugal striker starts first World Cup match (opens original article in a new tab)

Cristiano Ronaldo starts his sixth World Cup match for Portugal, equaling Lionel Messi's record. Messi previously scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria.

• Cristiano Ronaldo will play in his sixth World Cup after being named in Portugal’s starting line-up for their opening game against DR Congo.
• Ronaldo equalled Lionel Messi’s record of playing in six World Cups.
• Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick to guide Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria.