In a recent statement, Portugal’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo emphasized that his legacy will not solely be determined by his ability to match Lionel Messi’s World Cup victories. The star player for Al-Nassr reflected on previous claims about yearning to win the trophy but now insists that the outcome of the upcoming tournament in summer does not define his football career.
Ongoing Ronaldo vs. Messi Discussion
Debate over the prowess of Ronaldo and Messi continues, despite both nearing the end of their legendary careers. While Ronaldo is still in pursuit of a title in Saudi Arabia, Messi has found a new home at Inter Miami in the U.S. Fans often regard Messi as the greatest of all time (GOAT) due to his World Cup win in 2022, but Ronaldo argues that his legacy should not hinge on a single trophy achievement.
In a forthcoming interview segment on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo stated, “If you ask me, ‘Cristiano, is it a dream to win the World Cup?’ No, it’s not a dream. Define what?” He elaborated that he believes it unfair to judge greatness based on a series of matches in one tournament.
Shift in World Cup Perspective
Ronaldo’s remarks may be unexpected given his earlier enthusiasm about the World Cup. Despite experiencing disappointment with Portugal’s exit in 2022, he shared on Instagram, “Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career.”
Reflecting on his commitment, he expressed, “I fought half my life for this dream,” highlighting his steadfast dedication to his country. The essence of his passion remains evident, even as he faces the possibility of retiring without a World Cup title.
Ronaldo’s Stance on Humility
While Messi continues to garner accolades, Ronaldo maintains his belief in his superiority, famously stating, “Is Messi better than me? I disagree. I don’t want to be humble.” Such strong opinions stir extensive discourse among fans and analysts alike, indicating that the rivalry will endure beyond their careers.
The Last Opportunity
If Ronaldo can guide Portugal to World Cup victory next summer, his views on its impact on his legacy might evolve. Nonetheless, despite past successes, including the European Championship, a World Cup title remains elusive, leaving an unresolved gap in his impressive list of accomplishments.
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