‘To be the best, you don’t have to say it’ – Cristiano Ronaldo’s GOAT claim ripped apart by Lionel Messi’s Argentina team-mate

Cristiano Ronaldo’s GOAT claim has been ripped apart by a team-mate of Lionel Messi, with the Portuguese superstar told that the best “don’t say it”.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo – who is still going strong at 40 years of age – recently billed himself as the most “complete” player in history, with his qualities and record ranking him above the likes of Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona in that department.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Not everybody has been convinced by Ronaldo’s argument – particularly those with strong ties to his eternal rival Messi. The Argentine icon has eight Golden Balls to his name and is the most decorated player of all-time.

WHAT NAHUEL MOLINA SAID

Messi’s fellow World Cup winner Nahuel Molina has told Infobae of Ronaldo’s bold statement: “To be the best, you don’t have to say it yourself, it has to be said by others. That’s what I think. I would never consider myself the best at anything unless someone else comes along and tells me: ‘You do this well’.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

Molina added when asked for his take on the GOAT debate, with the Atletico Madrid star reluctant to give a definitive answer: “I have no doubt that Cristiano is a competitive animal and a footballer. The best in history or not, that is for others to say.”

WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO & LIONEL MESSI?

Ronaldo and Messi have been maintaining remarkable individual standards in the latter stages of their respective careers. CR7 remains a prolific presence for Portugal and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, while Inter Miami captain Messi is the reigning MVP of MLS heading into the 2025 campaign.