Was the Real Madrid superstar sending a message to Lionel Messi, or was he merely mocking Spain goalkeeper David de Gea? ! Cristiano Ronaldo stole all the headlines yet again on Friday, as his brilliant hat-trick earned Portugal a 3-3 draw with Spain in a World Cup classic. The Real Madrid superstar opened the scoring with a coolly-taken penalty, before adding a second with a speculative long-range drive that was spilled by David de Gea. Both goals were cancelled out by Diego Costa strikes, before Nacho gave Spain the lead. A clinically precise free-kick from Ronaldo, hammered into the top corner, then rescued Portugal a 3-3 draw late on, sending social media into meltdown. Yet Twitter was already preoccupied with Ronaldo's first goal, after which he celebrated by stroking his chin following his customary jump and spin in the air. Indeed, several users have claimed that the gesture was a dig at Ronaldo's eternal rival, Lionel Messi, who has starred in a promotion with a goat for Adidas recently. Article continues below The message, of course, is that Messi is the greatest of all time, but the Portugal captain seems to disagree, perhaps imitating the look of a goat by stroking the hair on his chin.<doc-sep>MOSCOW — Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational hat trick to snatch Portugal a dramatic point against Spain and proved he is the most balanced character of this entire World Cup. That’s right, he has a chip on both shoulders. Ronaldo has as many detractors as admirers, is worshiped just as fervently as he is reviled, and, in his first game of the tournament, scored one goal with his left foot, another with his right and a third with a magnificent free kick to tie the match at 3-3 in Sochi. Friday night also provided Ronaldo with something to celebrate and something to curse; he became the first player to score in eight consecutive major tournaments yet was handed a reminder that if Portugal is going to make any headway in the tournament, it will be down to him and him alone. For a reference point see: James, LeBron. On a day that began with him reportedly agreeing to pay $21.7 million as a settlement for tax fraud charges in Spain, Ronaldo ended it by extracting a measure of revenge on the country where he has made his home and millions as a member of Real Madrid. Messi or Ronaldo? Be careful how you answer Replacing Messi and Ronaldo:Next wave of soccer’s elite 2018 World Cup:Ronaldo tops list of top 50 players to watch in Russia Spain’s performance was a story in itself, the 2010 champion overcoming the controversy that saw head coach Julen Lopetegui fired 48 hours before the tournament began. But it was a point that felt like a defeat for Spain, with Ronaldo’s final strike coming with just three minutes left. It was, as always, the Ronaldo show, and he was right where he likes it — at the center of attention. The 33-year-old is as polarizing as it gets. Good luck in finding someone who “quite” likes him. He is the most annoying player on the planet, according to some. He is the world’s greatest of this era, and maybe in history, and his charisma is misread as arrogance, say others. The truth lies somewhere in between, or could even be both things at the same time. Both sides of the tale are fed constantly. When Ronaldo fell to the turf early after a collision with Real Madrid teammate Nacho, it was probably justified, and those who swoon over his ability were given fuel to marvel at the fact that often the only way to stop Ronaldo is by force. The counter argument is that he went to ground too easily, then showed his arrogant side with an impudent smile in Nacho’s direction after easily dispatching the penalty kick. You can’t sit on the fence when it comes to Ronaldo. He’s just not that kind of guy. You’re either going to admire the shameless swagger of a player who rips his shirt off and stands on bare-chested parade after scoring, or you’re going to hate the posing and hanker for the quiet brilliance of Lionel Messi. There are countless websites and social media pages dedicated in his honor, and just as many hating on him. Yet he is, at the same time, one of the world's most popular celebrities, with 73 million Twitter followers and an army of fans who follow his every move, either with the ball at his feet or stepping into sports cars. He is a modern-day marvel and belongs in any conversation of not just the best player of today, but alongside Pele and Diego Maradona, and current rival Messi, as one of the greatest ever. Much like LeBron, Ronaldo becomes much more likable to many when he loses, but here he was on Friday too much of a competitor to let that happen. Exchanging sympathy for success is a trade-off he would happily make, every time.<doc-sep>Cristiano Ronaldo is spotted performing an odd GOAT celebration after scoring against Spain When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to suggest he is the GOAT with his celebration after scoring against Spain Cristiano Ronaldo lit up the World Cup last night with a superb performance against Spain, bagging a hat-trick in the thrilling 3-3 draw. The Real Madrid ace is the 51st player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup, with the first strike coming via a dubious penalty he won himself. Having taken a tumble over club team-mate Nacho’s leg, Ronaldo picked himself up to smash the spot-kick past David De Gea. The 33-year-old then ran to the corner flag and performed his customary celebration before bizarrely stroking his chin. Many fans have speculated that Ronaldo was suggesting he is the GOAT – Greatest Of All Time – and the gesture was a challenge to Lionel Messi. The Argentina star had posed with a goat before the tournament, and Ronaldo’s actions have been interpreted as a dig. However, other supporters believe the striker was making fun of De Gea’s beard after the Manchester United goalkeeper tried to put him off before the penalty. Take a look through the gallery above to see the best pictures as Cristiano Ronaldo performs his bizarre chin stroke celebration.<doc-sep>
Cristiano Ronaldo produced a stunning performance last night in Portugal and Spain's memorable 3-3 draw at the Fisht Olympic Stadium. OBRIGADOOOOO Here's that video again... @cristiano hat-trick and glorious free-kick equaliser WITH THE RIGHT COMMENTARY! pic.twitter.com/zMu5OfwBMg - Neal Collins (@nealcol) June 16, 2018 The Real Madrid star has been inconsistent in previous World Cups, but at this summer's tournament in Russia, he looks up for it. Late on, he cancelled out any chance of Spain collecting the three points with a superb free-kick to take the game level and earn himself a hat-trick. Advert 10 But it was the first goal that had people talking, not least because of Ronaldo's strange celebration. Credit: BBC After being taken down inside the box early on, he unmistakably buried the following penalty. He celebrated with the classic SIUUU move - a celebration which still looks absolutely epic - but then he stroked his chin several times. Advert 10 And supporters across social media believe that this was a reference to being a GOAT - the greatest of all time. Advert 10 Lionel Messi might have something to say about that, Ronny. After the match, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho heaped on the praise for the 33-year-old. He said to Russia Today: "He has this little touch, this little extra feeling, and the goal is fantastic. "He knew it was the last chance and that's what I really admire. Advert 10 "There are players for some matches, there are players for every matches and there are players for special matches." Loading… Well, if you like him so much, Jose, you could give Man United fans what they've all been waiting for...