Fans crowded outside the Delta Hotel in Toronto on Thursday to see Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Portugal's World Cup round-of-32 match against Croatia [1, 2].
The gathering highlights the global appeal of Ronaldo as he competes in a high-stakes knockout stage. Because of his age and the tournament's progression, many supporters believe this could be the final World Cup appearance for the Portuguese star [3, 4].
Crowds formed early in the day, with some supporters reporting they had been waiting outside the hotel for 11 or 12 hours [1]. The atmosphere in Toronto remained electric as fans from Portugal and Croatia converged on the city for the match, which is scheduled to take place at Toronto Stadium, also known as BMO Field [1, 2].
"Just got here, and we're waiting for right now, straight to the hotel," said one anonymous fan. "Ronaldo, if you see, just a little game for us. We have been waiting here for like 11 or 12 hours. It's our first time all in Canada, so it's just an amazing experience" [1].
The match features a rare clash between two veteran icons of the sport. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Croatia's Luka Modrić are 40 years old [4]. This shared milestone adds a narrative of longevity to the competition as both players prepare for a battle in the round of 32 [4].
While some reports indicate Ronaldo is expected to start the knockout clash, other sources have questioned whether this will be his final game in a World Cup [3, 5]. Regardless of the starting lineup, the presence of the stars has transformed the area around the Delta Hotel into a focal point for international supporters.
“We have been waiting here for like 11 or 12 hours.”
The intense fan activity in Toronto underscores the unique commercial and cultural draw of aging superstars in global sports. As Ronaldo and Modrić both reach 40, the match serves as a benchmark for athletic longevity, shifting the focus from mere competition to the potential conclusion of two of the most significant careers in football history.
