Portugal and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo says he’s done caring about the never-ending debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time (GOAT), insisting that the comparisons with Lionel Messi no longer matter to him.
The rivalry between the two icons has been football’s biggest talking point for nearly two decades and was reignited after Messi’s 2022 World Cup win with Argentina, a moment many fans said settled the argument.
But speaking in a new interview with Piers Morgan on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo said he has moved on from the debate and prefers to let his achievements do the talking.
Piers, I don’t care about that anymore, seriously,” he said. “I’ve done so many interviews, said so many things… If I say something now, people won’t be surprised. These stories speak for themselves.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner went on to say that while everyone is entitled to their own preference, he’s proud of what he’s achieved for Portugal.
“They have opinions. Some people like blonde, some like dark ; it’s okay, no problem for me. But to say if Cristiano wins the World Cup, it changes everything no, that doesn’t make sense for me,” Ronaldo explained.
“I win, we won, three titles for Portugal’s history. Before, Portugal never won anything. I’m glad. I’m so happy.
When asked by Piers Morgan if winning the World Cup would have meant more to him, Ronaldo replied:
“Yeah, it would be nice… but it’s not an obsession.”
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time top scorer and one of football’s most decorated players, with major honours including five UEFA Champions League titles, a European Championship, and a UEFA Nations League crown.
