Cristiano Ronaldo screamed "I'm back" down the camera after scoring twice in Portugal's emphatic 5-0 World Cup victory over Uzbekistan.
The 41-year-old went into Tuesday's Group K clash under pressure after struggling to make an impact in Portugal's opening draw against DR Congo.
But Ronaldo responded in the only way he knows how, delivering a ruthless first-half double as Roberto Martinez's side swept Uzbekistan aside and reignited belief that they can go deep into the tournament.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward had faced scrutiny over whether he should continue leading the line for Portugal at this stage of his career.
Yet those questions were answered emphatically as Ronaldo produced the type of predatory display that has defined his extraordinary career.
After finding the net, the Al-Nassr star turned towards the camera and shouted "I'm back" in a moment that instantly summed up his mood.
His tone was defiant and emotional, highlighting his monstrous mentality even at this late stage of his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo screamed "I'm back" down the camera after scoring twice in Portugal's emphatic 5-0 World Cup victory over Uzbekistan
|ITV
Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show as Portugal crushed Uzbekistan
|GETTY
His brace helped Portugal race into a commanding lead and ensured there would be no repeat of the frustration that followed their disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo last week.
Ronaldo's performance was also historic, with the veteran becoming the first player to score at six separate World Cups.
His first goal at the tournament came all the way back in 2006, when he converted from the penalty spot against Iran as a 21-year-old winger.
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Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWSSince then, he has scored at every edition: South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, Qatar in 2022 and now again in 2026.
It is a staggering achievement and one that underlines his remarkable longevity at the very highest level.
Ronaldo now has 10 World Cup goals to his name and, on this evidence, he is not finished yet.
The timing of his response also felt significant given Lionel Messi's explosive start to the tournament with Argentina.
Messi has already scored five goals in two matches, fuelling talk that football's greatest modern rivalry could be heading for one final dramatic chapter on the biggest stage of all.
Ronaldo was not prepared to let his old rival dominate the conversation for long, however.
Cristiano Ronaldo was mobbed by Portugal players after finding the net against Uzbekistan | GETTYPortugal's 5-0 win moves them into a strong position in Group K and eases the pressure on Martinez after their opening setback.
Rafael Leao and Nuno Mendes, as well as an own goal from Abduvohid Nematov, made it a night to remember.
For Ronaldo, however, this was about more than three points.
It was a reminder that even at 41, even after all the trophies, records and criticism, he still believes he belongs at the centre of the World Cup story.
Portugal face Colombia in their final World Cup group-stage game on Sunday (12:30am).
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