Cristiano Ronaldo says he disagrees that Messi is better than him
True to the outspoken style that has defined his career, Ronaldo once again declared himself the best footballer of all time. Now in the twilight of his career, he has set his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals, aiming to become the first player in history to achieve the milestone.
Over the past 17 years, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have forged one of the most iconic rivalries in football history, battling each other for the Ballon d'Or and fuelling endless debate over who truly deserves the title of the greatest of all time.
In a recent interview with journalist Piers Morgan, the Portuguese superstar — now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia — was asked for his view on who is the better player. Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo did not hesitate to place himself ahead of his long-time rival, the Inter Miami forward.
In a teaser for the interview, which is set to air next Tuesday, Morgan asks Ronaldo directly whether Messi is better than him. To this, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner confidently replies:
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"Is Messi better than me? I disagree. I don't want to be humble."
True to the outspoken style that has defined his career, Ronaldo once again declared himself the best footballer of all time. Now in the twilight of his career, he has set his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals, aiming to become the first player in history to achieve the milestone.
Despite his self-assured remarks, Ronaldo has often spoken with respect for Messi, praising the Argentine in various interviews over the years. He has also revealed that the pair share a cordial relationship, even expressing his wish to have dinner together someday.
The first part of this in-depth interview — which delves into Ronaldo's life, career, and his legendary rivalry with Messi — will be released next Tuesday. The duo famously contested the Ballon d'Or between 2008 and 2023, while continuing their battle to become football's all-time leading goalscorer.
After scoring a brace in his most recent outing for Al Nassr, Ronaldo has now amassed 952 career goals, leaving him just 48 short of 1,000. He already holds the record as the highest goalscorer in football history, yet remains determined to extend his lead even further.
Messi, meanwhile, found the net in Inter Miami's defeat to Nashville, slightly narrowing the gap. With that goal, the 38-year-old Argentine moved on to 891 career goals, now 61 behind his Portuguese counterpart.
