Cristiano Ronaldo (40, Al Nassr) has once again become the center of the 'Messi-Ronaldo' debate.
An interview with British journalist Piers Morgan was reported by multiple local media outlets on the 4th (Korea time), revealing that Cristiano Ronaldo did not relent in his position that he is better than Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami).
In the interview, Ronaldo said firmly, "Messi better than me? I don't agree. I don't want to be humble." Even after the 2022 Qatar World Cup victory, which effectively swung the 'GOAT (greatest of all time)' debate toward Messi, he did not concede.
The two are the longest-standing rivals in football history. They shared numerous trophies on the European stage and together produced 13 Ballon d'Ors awarded to the world's best player (Messi 8 · Ronaldo 5). But when Messi won the World Cup in 2022 and his eighth Ballon d'Or at the same time, the 'best' debate generally tilted toward him. Of course, Ronaldo later said, "The Ballon d'Or is a meaningless award," refusing to acknowledge Messi's achievements.
Ronaldo still considers himself "on par with or above" Messi. But when it comes to footballing completeness, the story is different.
If you measure only scoring ability, Ronaldo is still a "mechanically perfected goalscorer." He has consistently scored for any team, and his positioning and finishing ability are still among the world's best. But in terms of chance creation, dribbling, and the sense for regulating the rhythm of the game—the essential artistry of football—Messi is overwhelming.
Messi creates his own opportunities, saves teammates, and dominates matches. By contrast, Ronaldo has a strong tendency to be a "finisher" who completes teammates' passes. Both are great, but analysis dominated by the criterion of "footballing completeness" places Messi a notch higher.
Ronaldo's remarks likely stem from pride in his career. But reality is cold. With a World Cup victory, an eighth Ballon d'Or, and Messi's continued presence on the world stage, Ronaldo's words that he "won't be humble" now come across as stubbornness more than persuasion.
The 'Messi-Ronaldo' debate is still not over, but the outcome already seems decided.
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