It was the same scene that had already played out in Toronto, and everywhere else Ronaldo has touched down during this World Cup.
The AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys and tonight's venue for Spain against Portugal, was packed with media as both coaches spoke. But it was Ronaldo, a goalscorer at six World Cups, who commanded most attention on the eve of what may be his last appearance at the tournament.
Asked how he was experiencing this World Cup, Ronaldo struck a focused tone: "We are here for this reason. We're going to keep improving and there are difficult games ahead. Several big teams have already been eliminated, we want to stay calm. Tomorrow we face a very tough side and we are ready."
Pushed on whether this could be his final World Cup, he was typically unwilling to dwell on the milestone: "Honestly, I always train as hard as I can and we're going to try to achieve all our goals. Whether I play or not, my role matters. I'll leave when I decide to, not when others decide for me. I always get asked the same questions, I'd rather focus on other things, on playing well."
On the tight-knit feel of this Portugal squad and the tribute to the late Diogo Jota, Ronaldo turned reflective.
"This is a very different group, with real quality. Younger, calmer. And the bracelet each of us wears is to honour Diogo Jota. Every Portuguese person, here and back home... there's more to think about than just what happens on the pitch. We've all cried together. What remains is extraordinary. This is the World Cup I'll remember most. I don't know why, but emotionally this has been extraordinary. Very strong emotions."
On criticism, Ronaldo insisted it no longer troubles him: "I don't waste energy on all of it. Those who stand by us are loyal, and everything else is rubbish and doesn't matter."
Turning to tonight's opponents, Ronaldo had nothing but respect for Spain, world and European champions.
"I have a real fondness for Spain, my family is practically Spanish, I have business there... Spain are always among the favourites for anything. We know they've already won, they're favourites, they've won it already and have more titles than Portugal. But the players are different. Whoever handles the details better will win, I have a feeling we're going to win. We'll see."
Asked specifically about Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, he was full of praise.
"Lamine is a player with a huge future. I haven't seen much of Spain, I saw a bit of the game against Cape Verde, but as I say, he has a bright future. I see Spain as a whole, though. They're very good, they play very well and it will be tough."
He closed with a lighter note about a moment on his flight into Dallas.
"Yesterday on the flight, there was an Argentine flight attendant, from the way she looked at me. I knew you were Argentine, from the way you looked at me. If you look away quickly, it means you don't like Cristiano. Enjoying to the fullest what will be my last World Cup, hopefully tomorrow won't be my last match. That way you can torment me a little longer!"
Source: press conference, Dallas