Messi (L) in 2022 won the World Cup with Argentina while Ronaldo (R) was eliminated
Cristiano Ronaldo believes that a World Cup victory for Portugal would surpass the significance of Argentina’s 2022 triumph led by Lionel Messi.
Speaking to Piers Morgan in an interview, the 40-year-old forward argued that a FIFA World Cup triumph would hold historic significance considering Portugal’s footballing history.
Ronaldo explained that while Argentina has long been accustomed to global success, Portugal has never lifted football’s biggest prize.
“How many World Cups did Argentina win before Messi?” he asked. “They’re used to winning. If Portugal wins, it will shock the world.”
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Despite his confidence, Ronaldo earlier insisted that his career will not be defined by the outcome of next summer’s tournament.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner stressed that he does not need a World Cup medal to validate his legacy or prove he is better than Messi.
Ronaldo, who captained Portugal to glory at Euro 2016, the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League, is expected to lead his country once again at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For him, winning it would be a crowning moment, not a requirement.
While Argentina’s third World Cup trophy sealed Messi’s place in history, Ronaldo maintains that Portugal’s potential triumph would be something unprecedented, a shock to the world and a moment that would echo through generations.
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