Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 4, 2025
In a bold declaration that reignites one of football's most enduring rivalries, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has categorically dismissed the notion that his longtime arch-rival, Lionel Messi, is the greatest footballer of all time. The 40-year-old Al Nassr forward made the assertion during a forthcoming interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, a preview of which has already sent shockwaves through the global football community.
The exchange, teased on Morgan's social media platforms and various sports outlets, captures Ronaldo at his unapologetic best. When directly confronted with the pervasive narrative—"They say Messi is better than you, what do you think?"—Ronaldo responded with unwavering conviction: "Messi better than me? I don’t agree with that opinion. I don’t want to be humble."
This isn't the first time Ronaldo has engaged in the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) debate, but his latest remarks stand out for their directness and timing. Coming off a prolific season in the Saudi Pro League, where he continues to shatter goal-scoring records at an age when most players have long retired, Ronaldo appears more emboldened than ever to stake his claim atop football's pantheon.
The interview also touched on personal barbs from former teammates. Morgan referenced past statements by Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo's ex-Manchester United strike partner, who has publicly favored Messi in the debate. Ronaldo brushed it off with characteristic nonchalance: "It doesn’t bother me at all." This response underscores Ronaldo's mental fortitude, a trait that has defined his career spanning over two decades at the elite level.
The Enduring Ronaldo-Messi Rivalry: A Statistical and Historical Breakdown
The Ronaldo-Messi duel has captivated football enthusiasts since the mid-2000s, when both emerged as prodigies at Manchester United and Barcelona, respectively. Their head-to-head clashes in El Clásico matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona from 2009 to 2018 became appointment viewing, producing moments of sheer brilliance that transcended the sport.
To contextualize Ronaldo's confidence, a deep dive into their accolades is essential. Ronaldo has secured the Ballon d’Or—the prestigious award recognizing the world's best player—on five occasions: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. These wins coincided with landmark achievements, including his pivotal role in Manchester United's 2008 UEFA Champions League triumph and Real Madrid's unprecedented three-peat from 2016 to 2018.
Messi, meanwhile, holds a record eight Ballon d’Or titles: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. His dominance during Barcelona's tiki-taka era under Pep Guardiola was unparalleled, culminating in four Champions League titles with the Catalan club. Messi's 2022 World Cup victory with Argentina, where he was named the tournament's best player, further bolstered his case in the eyes of many.
Yet, Ronaldo counters with his own international pedigree. He captained Portugal to the 2016 UEFA European Championship—the nation's first major trophy—and followed it with the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. His goal tally for Portugal stands at 133 in 218 appearances, making him the all-time leading international scorer. Messi, with 109 goals in 187 caps for Argentina, trails in this metric but edges ahead in assists and overall playmaking.
Club careers tell a similar story of excellence. Ronaldo's 701 club goals (as of November 2025) have come across Sporting CP, Manchester United (two stints), Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr. His adaptability across leagues—Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Saudi Pro League—highlights his versatility. Messi, with over 700 club goals primarily at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and currently Inter Miami in MLS, is lauded for his consistency within systems tailored to his genius.
Individual records further fuel the debate. Ronaldo holds the UEFA Champions League all-time scoring record with 140 goals, surpassing Messi's 129. In league play, Ronaldo's 495 goals dwarf Messi's 474 in Europe's top five leagues. However, Messi's dribbling prowess, vision, and assist numbers (over 350 career assists compared to Ronaldo's 250+) paint him as the ultimate creator.
Broader Context: Teammates, Coaches, and Fan Divisions
Ronaldo's dismissal of Rooney's preference isn't isolated. Several high-profile figures have weighed in over the years. Former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, who managed Ronaldo, once stated, "Cristiano is the best; there's no one like him." Conversely, Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has repeatedly championed Messi, calling him "the most complete player I've seen."
Fan polls reflect a divided landscape. A 2024 ESPN global survey showed 52% favoring Messi, 44% Ronaldo, and 4% neither or other legends like Pelé or Diego Maradona. Social media amplifies this split, with hashtags #CR7 and #MessiGOAT trending perpetually.
Piers Morgan, no stranger to controversy, has interviewed Ronaldo multiple times, most notably in the explosive 2022 sit-down that led to Ronaldo's acrimonious Manchester United exit. This latest preview suggests the full interview, set to air later this week on Morgan's Uncensored platform, will delve deeper into Ronaldo's mindset, career reflections, and future ambitions.
Ronaldo's Current Form and Legacy-Building in Saudi Arabia
At Al Nassr since January 2023, Ronaldo has transformed the Saudi Pro League's profile. In the 2024-25 season alone, he has netted 15 goals in 12 appearances, including a hat-trick against Al Fateh last month. His influence extends beyond the pitch; Al Nassr's attendance figures have skyrocketed, and the league has attracted other stars like Karim Benzema and Neymar.
Ronaldo's rejection of humility in the GOAT debate aligns with his self-made ethos. From humble beginnings in Madeira, he has amassed over 900 career goals, five Champions League titles, and league championships in England, Spain, and Italy—a feat unmatched by Messi, who has won domestic titles in Spain, France, and the United States but never in Italy or England.
Critics argue Messi's superior Ballon d’Or count and World Cup triumph seal his superiority. Proponents of Ronaldo point to his longevity, physical prowess, and success in diverse environments. As Ronaldo approaches potential retirement—though he has hinted at playing until 43—the debate intensifies.
Implications for Football's Future
This latest salvo from Ronaldo ensures the GOAT conversation remains alive, influencing younger generations. Emerging talents like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland often cite both icons as inspirations, but the binary choice persists in media and fan discourse.
Analysts predict the full Morgan interview could include discussions on Ronaldo's regrets, his views on modern football, and even his post-playing career. For now, his preview statements have dominated headlines, with reactions pouring in from across the spectrum.
Messi, currently shining in MLS with Inter Miami, has yet to respond publicly. The Argentine, known for his reserved demeanor, typically lets his performances speak. Their last on-pitch encounter was in a 2023 friendly, where Ronaldo's Al Nassr faced Messi's PSG.
As the football world awaits the complete interview, one thing is clear: Ronaldo's refusal to concede the GOAT throne to Messi keeps the rivalry burning brightly. In an era of data-driven analysis and endless metrics, personal belief remains the ultimate arbiter.
This development not only revives interest in two legends whose primes overlapped for over a decade but also underscores football's unique ability to blend statistics with emotion. Whether one sides with Ronaldo's five Ballons and Champions League dominance or Messi's eight awards and World Cup magic, the debate enriches the beautiful game.
