Cristiano Ronaldo gave a candid response when questioned about whether Lionel Messi has now secured the title of the greatest footballer of all time.
Since rising to prominence, Ronaldo and Messi have been endlessly compared by fans and pundits alike, often hailed as two of the finest players in football history. ..Continue Reading
Both have enjoyed glittering careers, collecting a vast array of club and international trophies, along with numerous individual accolades.
However, there’s one major achievement that sets Messi apart — and it’s something Ronaldo has yet to accomplish.
The Portuguese star addressed the notion that this particular feat has ended the long-running GOAT debate.
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In 2022, Messi fulfilled a lifelong ambition by leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, lifting the trophy that has eluded Ronaldo.
After Argentina’s dramatic victory over France in the now-legendary final, many argued that Messi had finally sealed his place as the greatest ever — but Ronaldo isn’t entirely convinced.
When discussing the ongoing GOAT debate, Ronaldo downplayed the significance of not winning a World Cup and insisted it doesn’t define his legacy.
Ronaldo said previously: “Even if I win the World Cup that will continue. Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.
“I have always had to show what I can do year after year. I would love to win this tournament.
“I’m ambitious but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments I would still be happy given all I have won. In the history books, all other records will be there. But obviously, a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream.”
Ronaldo might get one final opportunity to hoist the legendary World Cup trophy if he’s selected by Roberto Martínez for the 2026 tournament, set to take place across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
However, with Argentina and Brazil showing strong form in the Copa America, and European powerhouses like Spain, France, and England asserting their dominance at Euro 2024, Portugal will enter the 2026 World Cup as clear underdogs in the race for glory.
