Portugal was unable to knick three points off of Spain despite taking the lead twice, but Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show with his excellent hat-trick. A first-half brace from the 33-year-old was followed by an amazing 88th-minute free-kick goal to earn a 3-3 draw.
While many were busy singing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner praises after his Man of the Match display, others were busy wondering about something peculiar that the Real Madrid man did. The Seleccao das Quinas captain sparked a debate after his first goal, which came courtesy of a penalty, due to his unusual celebration.
The goalscoring machine slotted past David De Gea a few minutes after kick-off to grab an early lead. Immediately after netting, Cristiano ran to the corner flag and stroked his chin in celebration, leaving many pondering the meaning behind his move.
The popular theory was that it was a reply to Lionel Messi, who has been pushing for the "Greatest of All Time" title in a recent ad with Adidas. Several people on Twitter have thus deduced that this was Ronaldo, another active "GOAT" challenger, staking his claim.
World Cup 2018: Twitter convinced Cristiano Ronaldo was sending Lionel Messi a GOAT message during celebration against Spain
— Messir Hamid (@MessirHamid) June 16, 2018
Was Portugal superstar's chin-stroking gesture a dig at the Argentine over a recent commercial suggesting Barca ace is the greatest of all-time? pic.twitter.com/A6QRAPVoSq
#CristianoRonaldo was rubbing his chin signifying that he is indeed the #GOAT #82NDGOAL #CR7 #cristiano #ronaldo #portugal #PORvESP #EspanaVsPortugal #Espana #espn #tensportsHD #WorldCup2018 #Worldcup2018Russia #WorldCupRussia2018 #sochi #realmadrid pic.twitter.com/LHQKDY9li2
— Venkata (@PVenkataY) June 15, 2018
Hahaha! @Cristiano what a guy!
— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 15, 2018
did he just rub his chin during his celebration ? what a guy #PORESP
Ronaldo touched his chin signifying that he is the GOAT.
— (@Mistar_Gee) June 15, 2018
Did Ronaldo just stroke his chin bcos he's the GOAT
— James Banton (@JamesBanton8) June 15, 2018
There was another speculation, though less popular, that this celebration was a dig at De Gea. The Spanish custodian stood in front of the ball and Cristiano, possibly in an attempt to get into the attacker's mind and intimidate him. That amounted to nothing, however, as the Portuguese superstar converted with ease.
Cr7's Chin celebration.
— Chill_Is_A_Myth (@Malan___JR) June 16, 2018
Was he mocking DDG beard just Cause he tried to play mind games on him before the penalty?
Or
Cr7 referred to himself as a GOAT?#PORESP #Worldcup2018Russia #Cristiano #DDG#Portugal #Spain
Superb match this has been so far. Initially I thought Ronaldo's chin rub celebration was to mock Messi the GOAT. But then realized its him taking the piss out of De gea's beard Whattay guy..
— SAMPATH (@trueindiangrit) June 15, 2018
Bruh Ronaldo's celebration mocking De Gea's facial hair was great
— Garrison Stripling (@GarrisonStrips) June 15, 2018
I like to think Ronaldo's celebration was a bit of joke at David de Gea's bumfluff! #Spain #Portugal #PORSPA #PORSPN
— Adam Firrell (@AdamFirrell) June 15, 2018
Looks like that celebration from Ronaldo after his first goal was also for De Gea. #WorldCup #PORESP
— Hassan. (@mhamirza) June 15, 2018
Or maybe it was a message to Florentino Perez, as stated in the tweet below. The former Man United winger is reportedly unhappy with the Blancos president over unfulfilled promises over a new deal and a pay raise.
Ahhh @cristiano celebration last night rubbing his chin is a just tribute to the president Florentino Perez. Or not #CR7 #GOAT #RealMadrid #WorldCup2018 #ESPPOR pic.twitter.com/2iB6NA9Kgm
— Andreas Johansson (@anjo4ramos) June 16, 2018
As of now, no one can really say what the true meaning behind Ronaldo's celebration was, other than the man himself. Fans can only speculate. Until the answer is revealed, if it is ever, supporters can anticipate more from the hat-trick hero ahead of their next ties against Morocco and Iran.
