As the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico draws closer, veteran Portugal international Pepe recently attended an event alongside Mexican star Andrés Guardado.
During the event, both experienced players shared their views on the upcoming World Cup, with Pepe’s remarks quickly attracting widespread attention from fans and media alike.
Trust and High Expectations for Cristiano Ronaldo
At the event, Pepe reflected on Mexico’s memorable moments in World Cup history and mentioned legendary figures such as Pelé and Diego Maradona as symbols of past triumphs.
Building on that point, he expressed his hope that the next player to lift the World Cup trophy would be Cristiano Ronaldo and that the honor would belong to Portugal. This statement clearly demonstrated Pepe’s deep trust in Ronaldo, as well as his strong belief in Portugal’s potential at the tournament.
In recent years, Ronaldo has remained the core figure of the Portuguese national team, leading the side to significant achievements, including winning the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
His ability to deliver in crucial moments and his leadership on and off the pitch have given Pepe and his teammates great confidence. Pepe hopes that Ronaldo can once again rise to the occasion at the upcoming World Cup and help Portugal shine on the global stage.
Portugal Faces a Crucial Test
With the World Cup approaching, national teams around the world are stepping up their preparations, and Portugal is no exception. The team is set to face Mexico in an important friendly match, which is far more than a routine warm-up.
Instead, it serves as a key opportunity to test the squad, refine tactics, and build chemistry ahead of the tournament. Against a physically strong and stylistically distinct opponent, Portugal will face meaningful challenges.
In this match, identifying the most suitable tactical approach and strengthening players’ mental resilience under real match pressure will be the top priorities for both the coaching staff and the squad.
As a seasoned veteran, Pepe remains confident, believing that the team will benefit greatly from this high-quality contest and be better prepared for the demands of the World Cup.
A Veteran’s Faith in His Leader
Pepe’s expectations of Ronaldo go beyond personal admiration; they represent the collective confidence of the Portuguese national team in its future. He hopes that his wish will come true and that, under Ronaldo’s leadership, Portugal can once again create a glorious chapter in its football history on the world’s biggest stage.
