By Gautam Ray

Was this expected? Was this desirable? Yet, this is exactly what is happening.

Just one match into the World Cup, and Cristiano Ronaldo has already found himself at the center of intense debate. Not just any debate, but one questioning whether he should even be in the starting lineup. Imagine that. This is Cristiano Ronaldo — one of the greatest stars in the history of world football. And yet, people are asking whether he should play at all.

But the real question is: does this debate have merit?

In Portugal's opening match, Ronaldo looked far from his usual self. However, it is not merely his form that has come under scrutiny. Several former football stars have raised questions about his role in the team and his overall approach to the game.

Thierry Henry delivered one of the sharpest criticisms, suggesting that Ronaldo appears more focused on scoring goals himself than on serving the team's interests. The former French star even argued that Ronaldo may be making Portugal weaker. Others have gone further, claiming that if Portugal are to win the World Cup, Ronaldo must learn to control his ego. Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor believes the Portuguese icon should be willing to accept a place on the bench if necessary.

Was this situation really desirable? Whatever the answer, there is no doubt that the debate has added considerable heat to the World Cup.

Portugal arrived at the tournament as one of the favorites. Many experts consider this squad to be the country's strongest since the team that won Euro 2016. Rarely in the past two decades has Portugal possessed such balance and depth.

Yet, according to many analysts, the circumstances are very different from those of 2016. This Portugal side is no longer dependent on Ronaldo alone. The squad boasts a talented midfield and a formidable attack, featuring players such as Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, and Nuno Mendes. Given this wealth of talent, many pundits struggle to understand why coach Roberto Martínez continues to place so much faith in Ronaldo. As a result, Martínez himself is increasingly facing criticism from former players and experts.

Importantly, few people are arguing that Ronaldo should be excluded from the squad altogether. Some believe he should be used as an impact substitute, brought on when the situation demands. Others feel he can still start matches, but that the coaching staff must be willing to replace him if he is not performing.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has already electrified the tournament with a stunning hat-trick in his opening game. The World Cup once again seems captivated by "Messi Mania." Yet while Messi is basking in praise, Ronaldo finds himself facing criticism and uncertainty.

No, this is not a situation that football fans would have wanted to see.

Can Ronaldo silence his critics in the knockout stages? Can he dismiss the accusations and return to his best, just as Messi has done? If he can, even his critics—including Henry—would likely be pleased. The football world would certainly welcome it.

After all, champions often respond through their performances.

But at 41, is such a resurgence still possible?

For now, all we can do is wait and watch. Watch what Ronaldo does. Watch what Roberto Martínez decides. And watch how Portugal respond.

Ronaldo is undoubtedly aware of the criticism, the debate, and the pressure surrounding him. After all, he is a champion. Following the opening match, he acknowledged the difficult start, saying:

"The way we started was not what we wanted. But there is still a long way to go."

And he is right. There is still plenty of football left to be played.

The only lingering question is: at 41, can Cristiano Ronaldo once again prove the world wrong?