Ronaldo Reflects on Modrić as Legends Share Final World Cup Clash

Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo have faced each other on the football field a total of 233 times, with 222 of those as teammates and 11 as opponents. On Thursday night, they played what could be their final match together at Toronto Stadium. Croatia's 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32 suggests that Modrić may soon retire from international football, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in his career. Ronaldo, who shared the pitch with Modrić at Real Madrid between 2012 and 2018, lauded his former teammate, calling him a 'legend of football.' "I played with Luka for many years," Ronaldo remarked. "We’re nearly the same age. I think he’s a legend of football. He’s still a legend of football." Before the match, the two shared smiles and an embrace, and once the game concluded, they exchanged words and a hug on the pitch. Modrić, who is 40, has led Croatia to significant achievements, including second and third-place finishes in World Cups of 2018 and 2022. Despite the disappointment, the game was poignant, as both stars are in the twilight of their careers, each hoping to capture World Cup glory. Croatia's coach, Zlatko Dalić, acknowledged that this was "probably" Modrić’s last World Cup, but noted that only time will tell. "Only God knows what will happen in the next four years," he stated. "We’ll see. We’ll talk about it in Croatia."

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