What Cristiano Ronaldo said to 'legend' Luka Modric in defining World Cup moment after Portugal victory in epic last-32 tie with Croatia

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric shared a brief but memorable moment at full-time of the classic last‑32 meeting between Portugal and Croatia on Thursday, creating one of the defining images of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But what was said between the pair?

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The iconic duo are among just four players with over 200 caps, and they went head-to-head in a thrilling World Cup tie in Toronto on Thursday evening.

It was Ronaldo's Portugal who came out on top after an extraordinary second half which had almost everything. The 41-year-old finally broke his World Cup knockout goal drought to cancel out Ivan Perisic's opener, before being substituted in a brave call by manager Roberto Martinez.

Leading the line in his place, new AC Milan signing Goncalo Ramos grabbed a 94th‑minute winner - but not without more drama as Josko Gvardiol had a 103rd-minute goal controversially chalked off following a VAR check.

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It left Modric, making his 202nd international appearance, consoling his visibly distraught team-mate Mateo Kovacic.

At 40 years old, it was surely Modric’s final appearance at a World Cup - and the sense of occasion was not lost on his former Real Madrid team‑mate Ronaldo, 41, with whom he won four Champions Leagues, as the pair shared a hug and exchanged words. Modric later declined to discuss his future.

”I was amazed because the situation of today, it means a lot to us. Not only because we won the game but the way. We knew it would be hard because Croatia is a fantastic team," Ronaldo, whose own international future is reportedly nearing an end, told FOX Sports.

”After my goal, offside, people start to believe. Then it was a bit better for us, we created a few chances and at the end of the day we deserved to win the match.

”I played with Luka so many matches and we are nearly the same age. He is a legend of football. I said to him, 'Congratulations for everything. I would love to see you again and all the best for the next years of your career'.

”It was nice to play him once again.”

With the one‑year anniversary of Diogo Jota’s death only hours away, Ronaldo later pulled on his former team‑mate’s jersey and, visibly moved, led Portugal over to their supporters.

Ronaldo said of the late Liverpool forward: "A really great happiness because it was a tribute to him. It was a special day. It was special because we won, we continue to the next round. We wanted that and we paid tribute in the best possible way."

Portugal can now look forward to a last-16 meeting with rivals Spain on July 6 in Dallas.

"The World Cup began today for us," said manager Roberto Martinez. "We played with pride, represented the shirt. We showed personality after we fell behind.

"This is a very special team and a very special day because of Diogo [Jota]. I'm satisfied and proud. Now we have to think about the next game."

While Ronaldo’s search for an elusive World Cup trophy continues, Modric's journey on the world stage appears complete after helping Croatia to a runners‑up medal in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022.

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