Portugal football player Cristiano Ronaldo has been adamant in claiming that his footballing career will not be determined by whether he lifts the World Cup or not, and that greatness is not a one-time event.
In a recently published video on the Piers Morgan Uncensored program, the Al-Nassr striker seemed to downplay the significance of the international contest in establishing his position in history.
And is the win of the World Cup a dream? Nay, it is no dream, said Ronaldo. “To make it clear whether I am one of the greats of all time because of having competed in six or seven games – is it right?
The remarks represent a big turnaround from the earlier arguments, in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner mentioned that he would carry the World Cup for a lifetime. Ronaldo is 40 now and seems less inclined to compare and more inclined to the legacy, longevity, and consistency.
Ronaldo-Messi rivalry is the main theme in the culture of modern football. Messi, Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning captain, is commonly proclaimed by his fan base as the ultimate icon in the game. In his turn, Ronaldo cites his personal awards and his ability to play in England, Spain, Italy, and currently Saudi Arabia as evidence of his long-term excellence.
Ronaldo claims to have an international career to finish since he has already guided Portugal to the Euro 2016 and Nations League in 2019. To him, his legacy goes way beyond any given competition.
The two legends are no longer based in Europe, with Messi at Inter Miami and Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, but their competition remains the defining aspect of the new era of football. Although the fans continue to debate who should rightfully hold the title of the GOAT, Ronaldo’s recent comments show that he does not feel the necessity to show something to someone anymore.
