Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been at the center of soccer’s GOAT debate for nearly two decades. Together, they have scored 1,773 goals, won nine Champions League titles, and collected 13 Ballon d’Or awards.

However, Ronaldo believes the debate is one-sided.

“I’m talking about numbers,” Ronaldo stated on the Spanish television show El Chiringuito. ***“I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.”

“One thing is taste — if you like Messi, Pelé, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that — but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete … I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”

Ronaldo has a record of 923 goals and 257 assists, boasting a total of 1,180 goal contributions. Messi, while having slightly fewer goals (850) but more assists (379), is his only rival in the total goal contributions.

Ronaldo emphasizes his ranking in various scoring metrics, stating: “Who’s the best goalscorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop.” He supports his claim by referencing his superior statistics in headers, left-footed goals, penalties, and free kicks.

Despite his impressive career, one title eludes him: the World Cup. While he had the edge over Messi in earlier international tournaments, Messi has since captured the World Cup and the Copa América twice.

Looking ahead, Ronaldo will have another chance at the World Cup in 2026, when he will be 40 years old. Given his current form in the Saudi Pro League, there remains hope for him to contribute to Portugal’s efforts in the tournament.