Brazil's Ronaldo tells everyone not to hide from the fact that Lionel Messi is the GOAT
Ronaldo hailed Messi's longevity and consistency, insisting that his performances have ended any debate over his place among the greatest players in history.
Lionel Messi has announced his arrival at the 2026 World Cup in spectacular fashion, scoring his first-ever hat-trick in the tournament. With his 39th birthday approaching later this month, the Argentine continues to defy expectations and remains the driving force behind Argentina's pursuit of another title.
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria. (AFP)
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Messi inspired the defending champions to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. His treble took him to 16 World Cup goals, moving him past Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario and level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer. It was another unforgettable night in Messi's extraordinary career, adding yet another record to his name and strengthening the argument for his place among football's all-time greats.
Messi's record-breaking hat-trick drew praise from across the football world, with Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario among those left in awe of the Argentine captain's latest masterpiece. The two-time World Cup winner hailed Messi's longevity and consistency, insisting that his performances have ended any debate over his place among the greatest players in history.
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"It's time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he is the best player of all time," Ronaldo told Portuguese outlet A Bola. "He continues to deliver every season and in the World Cup and, yet, there are still doubts about him. It is an unforgettable and historic night that will remain forever in the history books."
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"It's time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he is the best player of all time," Ronaldo told Portuguese outlet A Bola. "He continues to deliver every season and in the World Cup and, yet, there are still doubts about him. It is an unforgettable and historic night that will remain forever in the history books."
For many, Messi had already settled the GOAT debate in 2022 after finally lifting the FIFA World Cup with Argentina. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has also extended his lead in the prestigious award race, winning three more than his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Messi breaking record doesn't surprise anyone”
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Ronaldo also reacted to Messi surpassing his own World Cup goals tally, with the Brazilian legend showing no bitterness over losing his place in the record books. Instead, the former striker embraced the moment and backed Messi's achievement, insisting that such milestones are bound to be broken and that there was no surprise over the player who achieved it.
"Records are made to be broken and the person who breaks them does not surprise any football fan in the world. Furthermore, Argentina are the reigning champions of the competition," he added.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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