Cristiano Ronaldo attempts to reignite the GOAT debate: “Is Messi better than me? I don't agree.”

Cristiano Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan set the internet on fire yet again. (Image credits - Heute, License Details)

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the internet on fire after his recent interview with popular journalist Piers Morgan, which seemed like a PR stunt to salvage headlines out of it, a common strategy used by the British journalist.

Back in 2022, Ronaldo used this platform to get himself out of Manchester United by criticising the club, the manager and its infrastructure directly on live television, even saying that he had no respect for former United manager Erik ten Hag.

This time, the Portuguese superstar seemed to be in a jolly mood as he talked about Manchester United, his net worth, his retirement plans and his marriage plans. However, the eternal debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lit up once again when Morgan asked, “People say Messi is better than you. What do you think?”

Ronaldo instantly replied, saying, “Messi better than me? I don’t agree with that opinion. I don’t want to be humble.”

This response was mainly directed to Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, who once stated that Lionel Messi was the superior player. However, the Portuguese star flamboyantly remarked that Rooney's statement doesn't bother him.

Cristiano Ronaldo backtracks on his “World Cup dream”

Back in 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo had stated that winning the World Cup is a “big dream” of his after accomplishing everything at the club level.

Fast forward to November 2025: the Portuguese star backtracked on his previous statement and said that winning the World Cup is not a "dream" for him during his interview with Piers Morgan. He seemed to take a dig at Leo Messi in his statement, which left the internet furious.

It’s not a dream. To define what? To define if I am one of the best in history? To win one competition? 6 games, 7 games. You think it’s fair?” Ronaldo said. (sic)

CR7 has featured in 5 editions of the FIFA World Cup, representing Portugal from 2006 to 2022, playing 20 games and bagging 8 goals, with his individual best performance back in 2018 when Portugal were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Uruguay.

Perhaps this statement indicates that his chapter in international football is nearing its end, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup might be the last time we see him at the biggest stage in world football.

“Soon. I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. It will be difficult, yes. Probably I will cry, yes… It will be very, very difficult, but I’ve prepared for my future since I was [I was] 25, 26, or 27 years old. So I think I will be capable of supporting that pressure.” Ronaldo revealed his retirement plans. (sic)