World Cup, Qatar, 2022: Ronaldo weighs in on ‘Great of All Time’ shouts by players and pundits after Messi crowned world champion
Cristiano Ronaldo has given his verdict on whether Lionel Messi’s remarkable World Cup win makes him the ‘greatest of all time.’ The 35-year-old scored twice for Argentina in one of the best finals ever and secured his first World Cup trophy after a dramatic victory on penalties.
Messi opened the scoring with a first half penalty before Angel Di Maria doubled Lionel Scaloni’s lead. The South Americans looked to be heading towards victory before Kylian Mbappe inspired a France comeback with two goals in two minutes to take the game to extra time.
Paris Saint-Germain’s little wizard popped up again with a second goal to put Argentina back in front with a rebound before Mbappe levelled late once more to complete a remarkable hat-trick.
Many fans and players took this opportunity to label Messi as the best to ever play the game, with the World Cup completing his trophy-laden silverware cabinet and getting one over Ronaldo, who has never won the tournament. The Portuguese star doesn’t think that ends the debate though.
“Even if I win the World Cup that will continue,” the 37-year-old said earlier in the month.” Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.
“I have always had to show what I can do year after year. I would love to win this tournament. I’m ambitious but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments I would still be happy given all I have won. In the history books all other records will be there. But obviously, a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream.”
Ronaldo’s Portugal side crashed out of in the quarter finals after losing to Morocco 1-0. He was a substitute for that match after being dropped by Fernando Santos and was seen in tears when walking down the tunnel at full time.
~Football.london