"Real men cry" - Ryan Garcia sends reaffirming message to Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal win despite latter’s missed penalty in Euro 2024 clash
American boxer Ryan Garcia has sent a comforting message to Cristiano Ronaldo following his missed penalty against Slovenia at Euro 2024. The 39-year-old striker missed from the spot in the 105th minute of the game, but Portugal managed to secure the win in penalty shootouts to qualify for the quarterfinals.
The miss sent the Portuguese legend into a flood of tears and Garcia took to X to send a message of support. In a simple reaffirming post, the American wrote:
"Real men cry. Love you Ronaldo. Keep shooting and keep believing."
Cristiano Ronaldo made amends for his miss by converting his spot-kick in the penalty shootout. He stepped up to begin the shootout for Portugal and beat Jan Oblak in the second attempt. The Selecao went on to win the shootout 3-0.
Ronaldo is currently the highest international goalscorer of all time with 130 goals and 47 assists from 211 games. At 39 years old, this could be his final appearance at the Euros.
Portugal next face France in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 in Frankfurt in a repeat of the Euro 2016 final which saw the former emerge victorious. Ronaldo hopes to lead his nation to victory over Les Bleus again and potentially lift the continental prize for the second time.
Cristiano Ronaldo's freekick record for Portugal at Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo's Euro 2024 campaign has been disappointing. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has yet to score a goal in four appearances so far.
Against Slovenia, he missed three free-kicks. This added to his already poor free-kick tally in recent years. The last time Ronaldo converted a free-kick for his country was in 2018 against Spain in the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo needs one more goal for Portugal at Euro 2024 to become the first player to score at six different European Championships and the oldest player to score in the competition.
The Al-Nassr star will be keen to get on the scoresheet soon and will hope he can find the back of the net, preferably with a freekick in the upcoming game with France.