One of football's most remarkable careers concludes without its ultimate prize after Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup appearance for Portugal ended in a 1-0 last-16 loss to Spain.

Tears flowed as his World Cup tale closed in Dallas, with Mikel Merino's stoppage-time goal propelling the neighbors forward.

The 41-year-old, a five-time Ballon d'Or recipient, five-time Champions League winner and Euro 2016 champion, has netted a record 976 goals across club and international duty.

He found the net at a record six World Cups, yet his nearest brush with glory came when Portugal advanced to the semi-finals during his debut tournament in 2006.

Having already declared this his final World Cup, he later remarked that he would consult family and decide calmly when questioned about continuing to represent his nation.

Debate lingers over whether Portugal might have enjoyed greater prospects without the expectation to field Al-Nassr's Ronaldo in every match.

Former England striker Chris Sutton offered a blunt assessment from Texas: Ronaldo moved slowly across the pitch, contributing little as Portugal exited.

Sutton questioned the manager's approach, suggesting the team was eliminated due to excessive accommodation of the star player.

Roberto Martinez announced his departure after the match and lauded Ronaldo as a football icon, expressing gratitude for his efforts and highlighting his exemplary conduct both on and off the field.

A persistent discussion at recent tournaments has centered on Ronaldo's starting role, given his record 146 international goals alongside questions about his broader contributions.

Despite a squad featuring elite defenders and midfielders, including multiple Champions League winners from Paris St-Germain and Premier League player of the year Bruno Fernandes, the side exited in the last 16.

Sutton criticized the lack of opportunity for Goncalo Ramos, calling the manager's deference to Ronaldo an embarrassment and noting the need for greater resolve.

Ronaldo ended the tournament with three goals but recorded 18 shots, matching the volume of the leading scorer while creating just one chance for teammates and touching the ball less frequently than 366 others despite near-complete participation.

Martinez defended keeping Ronaldo on for his physical presence, experience and threat in set pieces when a goal was required.

The enduring rivalry between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has reshaped fan allegiances, with many aligning to one or the other rather than solely to clubs, and their story featured in a recent documentary.

Messi secured the World Cup in 2022, leaving Ronaldo to retire without it, though both continue careers in Saudi Arabia and the United States respectively, with Messi maintaining greater influence at this stage.

Former teammate Wayne Rooney described Ronaldo as a genius whose contributions to the sport are rare, expressing disappointment at the outcome while acknowledging the passage of time.

Ronaldo retains distinctions for appearing in six World Cups and scoring in each, placing ninth on the all-time scoring list with 11 goals, though only one came in knockout play.

Portugal supporters voiced emotion at the close of his World Cup chapter, cherishing the experience despite the result.

Martinez, who previously led Belgium to the 2018 semi-finals before a group-stage exit in 2022, won the Nations League with Portugal yet stepped down after this campaign, stating the objective of winning the World Cup had not been met.

Sutton labeled the management approach scandalous, drawing parallels to earlier shortcomings with Belgium's talented squad.