Cristiano Ronaldo Takes a Swipe at Messi Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo has rekindled his enduring rivalry with Lionel Messi, asserting that
“Argentina won two World Cups without Messi”while also reminding fans that
“without me, Portugal has never won anything.”
The 40-year-old Portuguese forward made the remarks during the second part of his interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored. This time, Ronaldo adopted a more composed tone when discussing his career’s future and the upcoming tournament.
On His Future and Motivation
Ronaldo clarified that his primary focus is representing his country rather than chasing personal accolades. He stated:
“Winning the next World Cup will not change my name in football. It’s not a dream to win the World Cup — I just want to enjoy the moment.”
Still serving as Portugal’s captain as the 2026 World Cup nears, Ronaldo emphasized that his motivation is about national pride and shared success.
The Messi–Ronaldo Debate Reignited
His remarks followed comments by Wayne Rooney that reignited the long-standing debate between the two football icons, with Rooney calling Messi
“the better player.”
Portugal is just one point away from qualification, needing a result against Ireland on November 13 to secure their spot in the tournament. This could give Ronaldo one final opportunity to chase glory on football’s biggest stage.
Even as he insists he’s at peace with his legacy, Ronaldo’s subtle jab at his rival shows that his competitive spirit, sharp as ever at age 40, continues to define him.
Author’s Summary
At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo remains driven and outspoken, reigniting his rivalry with Messi while expressing a balanced view of his legacy ahead of the 2026 World Cup.