Ronaldo's Opinion on Whether Messi Settled the GOAT Debate with a World Cup Victory

• Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on whether Lionel Messi's World Cup victory will put an end to the GOAT debate
• The war between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has raged for decades
• Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the football scene for years, with the pair winning 12 Ballon d'Or awards between them

Cristiano Ronaldo has shared his perspective on whether Lionel Messi's World Cup victory will settle the ongoing debate about who holds the title of the greatest football player of all time (GOAT).

In a scintillating match at the Lusail Stadium last year, Messi showcased his brilliance, aiding Argentina in securing World Cup glory.

Despite initially leading 2-0 at halftime, Argentina faced a formidable challenge as two late Kylian Mbappe goals within the final 10 minutes forced the match into extra time.

Messi appeared to have secured the winning goal in the 108th minute, only for Mbappe to disrupt those plans with a late penalty kick of his own in the 118th minute, leading to a tense penalty shootout.

Fernandes fires Portugal to victory at Slovakia

Football

Ultimately, Messi's determination prevailed as Argentina emerged victorious with a 4-2 win in a nail-biting penalty shootout, during which France faltered with two missed spot kicks, BBC reports.

Prior to the World Cup, there was widespread speculation that if either Messi or Ronaldo clinched the tournament, they would secure the title of the undisputed GOAT.

Now, fans are resolute in their belief that Messi has achieved an untouchable status after grasping the coveted World Cup trophy, an accomplishment that has eluded Ronaldo with Portugal.

Ronaldo's view on GOAT debate

However, before his team's unexpected quarter-final exit against Morocco, Ronaldo had already dismissed the notion that his legacy or that of anyone else would be significantly affected by the World Cup.

When questioned about whether the 2022 tournament would settle the GOAT debate, Ronaldo replied, per SportBible:

“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.

Bielsa makes instant impact as Uruguay beat Chile

Football

“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.”

Nadal stylishly settles GOAT debate

Sports Brief previously reported on Rafael Nadal stylishly settling the GOAT debate, mixing honesty with diplomacy due to his association at various levels.

The tennis star picked Messi as the best but admitted he should have probably kept quiet as he is a fan of Real Madrid - a club Ronaldo starred at for nine years.