In a festival-like atmosphere in downtown Toronto crowds gathered outside the Delta Hotel where a certain soccer team from Portugal is staying. And, amongst them, was football royalty: Cristiano Ronaldo.
The superstar—one of the most-followed people on social media with hundreds of millions of Instagram followers—arrived in Toronto on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Portugal’s FIFA World Cup knockout match against Croatia.
People waited for hours in some serious summer heat for a glimpse of the 41-year-old captain.
Their patience was rewarded just after 9 p.m., when Ronaldo appeared on a hotel balcony overlooking the street. Smiling, waving, and acknowledging the crowd, he stepped out with teammates as the noise level below hit a crescendo. After a few minutes, the group headed back inside.
Shortly after, Ronaldo posted on social media: “Toronto, estamos prontos!”—translated as “Toronto, we are ready.”
Ronaldo’s visit has turned into a citywide moment that begin with scenes of celebration when he landed at Pearson Airport earlier in the day. Portuguese supporters were also spotted causing brief traffic chaos along Highway 427 as they followed the team bus into the city. More additional fans gathered at Centennial Park during the team’s final training session.
Thursday’s knockout match will mark only the second time Ronaldo has played in Toronto following a 2009 stopover whendefeated Toronto FC 5–1 in a preseason friendly at BMO Field.
The match itself is expected to be one of the most watched sporting events ever staged on Canadian soil, with both Portugal and Croatia well-represented across the Greater Toronto Area.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with everything on the line as one team’s World Cup journey comes to an end under the lights in Toronto.