In spite of his silence on social media following Lionel Messi’s victory. Cristiano Ronaldo’s comment about the World Cup win deciding the GOAT debate has resurfaced. For both Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, and Lionel Messi, 35, the 2022 FIFA World Cup was billed as their last dance. However, Messi led his Argentina team to end their 36-year wait by defeating France. In a dramatic final on Sunday at Lusail Stadium.
While Ronaldo had a forgettable campaign in Qatar, which saw Portugal fall unexpectedly in the quarterfinals. The GOAT debate, in which the Argentinean was said to have “completed football,” was thought to have come to an end with the victory. Which Messi had never achieved throughout his illustrious career. However, a day after the victory, Ronaldo’s remark regarding whether or not a World Cup victory would ever settle this dispute surfaced again.
Over the course of 120 minutes, Messi led Argentina and France to a 3-3 draw. After Argentina took a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Messi and Angel Di Maria, Kylian Mbappe equalized the score in the final 97 seconds to force extra time. The expected winner was Messi’s second goal in the 108th minute, but Mbappe had other ideas. With his spot kick in the 118th minute, the game ended in penalties.
In order to settle the GOAT debate, the World Cup was set as the ultimate benchmark. Because of this, fans believed that Messi’s victory on Sunday had brought an end to the debate and elevated him above Ronaldo. However, despite his silence on social media following Messi’s victory, Ronaldo’s comment on the World Cup win determined the GOAT.
The debate has resurfaced prior to the tournament. Some people prefer me more than others. As in life, some people prefer brunettes to blondes, he had stated. Every year, I have had to demonstrate my capabilities. I wouldn’t want anything more than to win this competition.
Messi has also been praised by fans for “completing football.” Ten La Liga titles, seven each in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, and four Champions League titles. Three each in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, a Ligue 1 title, and the Copa America trophy. His seven Ballon D’or awards round out his impressive resume.