Estadio Azteca reopens as Portugal faces Mexico without injured Ronaldo

Ronaldo Misses Portugal Friendlies Against Mexico and USA as World Cup Preparations Begin Without Captain

Cristiano Ronaldo is absent from Portugal’s final pre-World Cup friendly window after failing to recover from a right hamstring injury, leaving manager Roberto Martínez without his captain for Saturday’s match against Mexico at the newly reopened Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and the upcoming clash with the United States on March 31 in Atlanta.

Injury Timeline and World Cup Outlook

The 41-year-old Ronaldo has not played since February 28, when he limped off the field during Al Nassr’s 3-1 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Fayha. He has since undergone treatment in Madrid but was not included in the 27-man squad Martínez announced on March 20.espn

Martínez moved quickly to ease concerns about Ronaldo’s availability for this summer’s tournament, where the forward is targeting a record sixth World Cup appearance. “No, he’s not in danger,” the coach said. “It’s a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two.” Portugal will open their World Cup campaign in Houston on June 17.espn

Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men’s international soccer with 143 goals, has not played in the United States since 2014. His absence denies American fans a chance to see him before the tournament begins.espn

Azteca Stadium Returns

Saturday’s match in Mexico City doubles as a landmark occasion: the reopening of the iconic Estadio Azteca, which closed in mid-2024 for a sweeping renovation ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The stadium, which hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, has undergone upgrades estimated at around $150 million, including expanded seating capacity, new screens, improved connectivity, and modernized locker rooms.yahoo

The venue, now commercially known as Estadio Banorte after a naming-rights deal with the Mexican bank, will host the World Cup’s opening ceremony and Mexico’s group-stage opener against South Africa on June 11. Saturday’s friendly serves as a critical operational test for organizers, who were still completing construction work in recent weeks.elpais

Pre-World Cup Window Takes Shape

Even without Ronaldo, Portugal arrives in strong form, having topped UEFA Qualifying Group F with four wins, a draw, and a loss, including a 9-1 demolition of Armenia. The squad features Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão as Martínez evaluates his options ahead of the tournament.beinsports

The United States, meanwhile, faced Belgium earlier Saturday in Atlanta before hosting Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday. For both sides, these final friendlies represent the last competitive tests before World Cup squads are finalized.as