“Would the BBC have done that to Messi?” - Piers Morgan hits out at controversial ‘Misstiano Penaldo’ caption after Cristiano Ronaldo penalty miss
Reputed journalist Piers Morgan has hit out at a controversial caption on Cristiano Ronaldo and claimed that the same would not happen to Lionel Messi. The Al-Nassr superstar didn't have the best of Round of 16 matches against Slovenia in the Euro 2024, as Portugal edged their opponents 3-0 on penalties after a goalless draw on Monday, July 1.
Ronaldo had the opportunity to put his side ahead in extra time from the penalty spot. However, his effort was saved by opposition goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
BBC Sport then produced a highlights package, where they captioned this moment 'Misstiano Penaldo'. Slamming the broadcaster for this, Morgan wrote on his X account:
"Who did this? Why did they think it's OK to mock a legend of the game like Cristiano in such a cheap way during a publicly-funded broadcaster's output of an international tournament?"
"Would the BBC have done that to Messi or any other great? No. So why did they do it to Ronaldo?" he added.
Others have also criticized the caption, including Chelsea legend John Terry, who posted an Instagram story against it. Regardless, Ronaldo redeemed himself as he converted from the spot in the shootout.
Portugal are through to the quarter-finals and will take on France on Friday (July 5). It is pertinent to note that Ronaldo is yet to score in the ongoing edition of the Euro.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have failed to score at Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024 so far
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal have qualified for the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi's Argentina have also managed to progress to the quarter-finals of Copa America 2024, where they will face Ecuador on Thursday, July 4.
However, both superstars failed to find the back of the net for their respective teams during the group stages of the continental tournaments.
Despite failing to score, Messi has impressed at Copa America, producing an assist and controlling most of Argentina's good work in midfield. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Ronaldo, who despite having an assist to his name, is yet to get going at Euro 2024.