Cristiano Ronaldo believes that he did get a touch on the ball for Portugal’s first goal against Uruguay on Monday night and claimed credit in a text message to Piers Morgan after the game.

The Portuguese superstar thought he had bagged his second goal of the tournament—and ninth goal in World Cup finals—when he appeared to get the faintest of touches on a cross from Bruno Fernandes midway through the second half.

But not a single replay or picture definitively showed Ronaldo touching the ball, and the stadium announcer—and FIFA—confirmed the scorer as Fernandes.

The 37-year-old is famously obsessed with records and will no doubt be annoyed that he is still stuck on eight goals at World Cups—the same as long-time rival Lionel Messi—while 23 players have more goals than him in the tournament’s history.

After the game, Ronaldo could be seen wagging his finger and appearing frustrated with the decision.

Now it has emerged that the former Manchester United forward texted Morgan, who conducted an explosive interview with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner earlier this month that resulted in the termination of his contract, and insisted the goal should have been awarded to him.

Fox Soccer pundit and former USA captain Alexi Lalas revealed the exchange after the game, with Morgan working for the US broadcaster during the tournament.

"I was just with Piers Morgan, and he said that Cristiano texted him from the locker room saying that he believes it touched his head," said the American. ‘So, uhm, who knows…’

Morgan also tweeted a picture of the ball appearing to brush a few strands of Ronaldo’s hair, saying, "Ronaldo touched that ball." He should be awarded the goal.’

After the match, the former Real Madrid superstar’s team-mates were a little sheepish when asked about whether or not Ronaldo had touched the ball, though Fernandes himself was happy for the veteran forward to be given it.

"I don’t think it really matters who scored the goal at this point," said Fernandes, who was named Man of the Match after also scoring from the penalty spot in the 2-0 win.

‘The feeling I had was Cristiano touched the ball, I was putting the ball to him and the important thing is we were able to win the match against a very tough opponent.’

William Carvalho, meanwhile, said: "Yes, my first impression was that it had been a Ronaldo goal, but what’s important is the victory." It doesn’t matter if it was Bruno or Ronaldo. We played a great game and we have to continue like that.’