Brazil football legend Ronaldo Nazário has declared Lionel Messi the greatest football player of all time, insisting that there should no longer be any argument over who deserves that title.
Ronaldo made the statement after Messi produced a sensational performance for Argentina in their 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentine captain scored all three goals for his side, registering a memorable hat-trick that helped secure an important win and further strengthened his reputation as one of football’s greatest stars.
The three goals also saw Messi surpass a World Cup scoring record previously held by Ronaldo, adding another remarkable achievement to his already glittering career.
Speaking in an interview with Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Ronaldo praised Messi’s consistency, longevity and ability to continue performing at the highest level despite being 38 years old.
According to the former Brazil striker, football fans across the world should finally acknowledge Messi’s place at the top of the game’s history.
“It’s time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he is the best player of all time,” Ronaldo said.
“He continues to deliver every season and in the World Cup, yet there are still doubts about him. What he did against Algeria was unforgettable and historic. It is a night that will remain forever in the history books.”
Ronaldo noted that Messi has consistently proven himself on football’s biggest stages, whether with his clubs or the Argentine national team. He added that very few players have managed to maintain such a high standard for such a long period while continuing to break records and inspire teammates.
Messi’s latest display has once again reignited discussions among football supporters worldwide about his legacy.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has won numerous trophies throughout his career, including multiple Ballon d’Or awards and the FIFA World Cup.
With Argentina seeking to defend the world title they won four years ago, Messi’s impressive form is expected to be a major factor in their campaign as they aim for another successful run in the tournament.
