Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed his World Cup journey is over but stopped short of announcing the end of his Portugal career, leaving the door open to a remarkable appearance at Euro 2028.
The Portugal captain cut an emotional figure after his country's dramatic last-16 exit to Spain, with Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner ending their hopes of lifting football's biggest prize.
Ronaldo was visibly in tears after the final whistle, knowing his dream of winning the World Cup had slipped away for good.
The defeat also means the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will retire from the tournament without ever getting his hands on the one major honour that eluded him throughout an extraordinary career, while long-time rival Lionel Messi already has a World Cup winners' medal and is chasing another with Argentina.
Despite the heartbreak, the 41-year-old insisted he has no regrets over what he gave to his country across more than two decades in international football.
Speaking after Portugal's elimination, Ronaldo said: "I'm sad to exit the World Cup like this.
"But I gave everything. Well, I gave my best. And I leave with a clear conscience.
"This is football, this is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And you have to keep going.
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed his World Cup journey is over but stopped short of announcing the end of his Portugal career, leaving the door open to a remarkable appearance at Euro 2028
|GETTY
"The truth is that it was my last World Cup, yes. But now I will have time to think, to be with my family and not to decide things with a hot head. And to continue with life."
While Ronaldo confirmed he will not feature at another World Cup, he deliberately avoided announcing his retirement from international football altogether.
That has fuelled speculation he could continue representing Portugal until Euro 2028, when he would be 43 years old.
The European Championship clearly still holds a special place in Ronaldo's heart after he captained Portugal to their historic first major trophy at Euro 2016.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Five things to know about Cristiano Ronaldo | GETTY/GB NEWSReflecting on his achievements with the national team, he added: "How do I feel today? The same. With a clear conscience. I gave my best. I have won three titles for Portugal.
"Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn't won any titles. So, I'm happy.
"The truth is that the biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016 which, for me, has the same value as a World Cup, honestly.
"That's why, I repeat, I leave with a clear conscience, I gave my best and that's it. Tomorrow will be a new day and life goes on."
Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals in his final World Cup with Portugal
|GETTY
Ronaldo remains under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until next summer, by which point he will have celebrated his 42nd birthday.
Although there are few records left for him to conquer, the former Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star is edging ever closer to another remarkable milestone.
Already the leading scorer and most-capped player in men's international football history, Ronaldo now sits just 24 goals away from reaching 1,000 senior career goals.
He scored three times during this World Cup campaign, but that tally was eclipsed by Messi, who has seven goals and remains firmly in contention to finish as the tournament's Golden Boot winner.