Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has declared Lionel Messi the greatest player of all time following the Argentina captain’s stunning start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, equalling Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record of 16 and becoming the first player to feature in six FIFA World Cups.
Reacting to the performance, Ronaldo said it was time for the football world to “accept the fact” that Messi is the greatest player in history.
“Every time Messi steps on the pitch, the rest becomes historic and elegant. It’s time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he’s the greatest player of all time,” Ronaldo said.
The Brazilian great also praised Messi’s longevity and influence, noting that the 38-year-old continues to make the difference for Argentina despite already having won the World Cup and numerous individual honours.
Ronaldo’s comments are the latest chapter in football’s long-running GOAT debate, with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo widely regarded as two of the greatest players in the history of the sport. (Newswire)