Cristiano Ronaldo gives his verdict on Lionel Messi's GOAT status

Many fans believe that Messi settled the GOAT debate after winning the 2022 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo responded with a refreshingly candid response when asked if competitor Lionel Messi has made a name for himself as the greatest football player of all time (GOAT).

Fans have drawn parallels between Ronaldo and Messi, calling them two of the greatest football players of all time, ever since they both made a name for themselves as among the best of their respective generations.

Both greats have won nearly every football trophy there is, including club and national trophies and individual accolades, over their careers.

Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to assertions that the GOAT argument has been resolved when Messi accomplished something that his Portuguese opponent has not yet done.

Lionel Messi ultimately realized his dream in 2022 when he led Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar, winning the coveted trophy that Ronaldo has failed to win during his career.

Many supporters believed that Messi had definitively resolved the GOAT controversy after Argentina defeated France in the now-iconic World Cup final, but Ronaldo isn’t so convinced.

🐐 Lionel Messi has been named the GREATEST player of all time, by @marca:🥇Lionel Messi🥈Cristiano Ronaldo🥉PeléDo you agree with that? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/FqRC0CZL1t

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) March 30, 2025

Ronaldo downplayed the effect that losing out on winning the World Cup may have on his reputation when discussing the GOAT debate.

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.”

If Ronaldo is selected for Roberto Martínez’s team for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by 16 cities in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, he may have one more opportunity to win the coveted World Cup title with Portugal.

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