Cristiano Ronaldo saw his World Cup dreams slip away once again on Saturday but gave no hint as to whether he plans to continue playing for Portugal.
The reigning European champions were undone by two Edinson Cavani goals for Uruguay in their last-16 tie in Sochi, despite Pepe bringing them level at one point early in the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal packed their bags immediately after Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 30, 2018
They've headed straight to Sochi Airport from the Fisht Stadium. pic.twitter.com/Qk12vtD4pO
It was not to be Ronaldo's night, as he exited the World Cup on the same day as Lionel Messi's Argentina were eliminated following a 4-3 defeat at the hands of France.
Ronaldo will be nearly 38 by the time the next World Cup comes around in Qatar in 2022.
"Now is not the time to talk about the future, either of the coach or the players," the Portugal skipper said after the game.
Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 1, 2018
Zero goals in 14 World Cup knockout matches. pic.twitter.com/YPLrfyB2c2
The 33-year-old did however say that the European champions could look to the future with confidence.
"I am sure that Portugal will continue to be one of the best teams in the world. We have a young and ambitious squad," he said.
Remarkably, neither Ronaldo nor Messi have managed to score a single goal in a knockout tie in four World Cups going back to 2006.
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— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
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Two of football's biggest ever stars depart the #WorldCup on the same day as #ARG & #POR are eliminated.
But how will Leo #Messi & @Cristiano's time at Russia 2018 be remembered?
Having shown sparks of brilliance, we take a look ?https://t.co/Rx804Qik21 pic.twitter.com/PncxoCHhTl
Ronaldo reached the semi-finals with Portugal in his first World Cup in Germany, but has never made it past the last 16 since then.
This has been his best World Cup in terms of goals scored, as he leaves with four in total, including a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw with Spain in the group stage.
His tally is one behind the tournament's current leading scorer Harry Kane, with Ronaldo also missing a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Iran.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup ends as Uruguay beats Portugal https://t.co/Qr8KoVuZna pic.twitter.com/wYiuOf1cGz
— CNN (@CNN) June 30, 2018
"He is an exceptional player," said Uruguay's veteran coach Oscar Tabarez.
"He is their leader, their captain. You need to really concentrate to make sure he is not successful against you, but that is very difficult."
Portugal coach Fernando Santos was hopeful that the Real Madrid man will continue to represent his country for some time yet, with Portugal's next challenge to defend the European Championship title they won in France two years ago.
Neither Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi have scored a goal in a #worldcup knockout match:
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 30, 2018
Ronaldo: 6 games, 25 shots, 514 mins, 0 goals.
Messi: 0 8 games, 23 shots, 756 mins, 0 goals.https://t.co/db7q2P5kip https://t.co/vkH2y09PDe
"I am sure he will. Cristiano still has a lot to give to the game," Santos said when asked if he felt his captain would carry on representing his country.
Portugal will take part in the inaugural UEFA Nations League later this year, beginning against Italy in September.
Ronaldo and Portugal are headed home.#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7aiprJ32Nu
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 30, 2018
By that time, Ronaldo's situation at club level will be clearer after he raised doubts about his future with Real Madrid in the wake of their Champions League final win against Liverpool in May.
"There is another tournament starting in September and of course we hope Cristiano will be with us to help the younger players grow," Santos said.
"We have many young players and it is important to have our captain there."
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo lost to Uruguay 2-1 in the round of 16, just hours after Lionel Messi and Argentina were eliminated from the World Cup https://t.co/KmUqDxOXhM pic.twitter.com/OxxMiEo3sT
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) June 30, 2018