In an interview in Florida, Inter Miami star Messi asserted that becoming a world champion is the pinnacle, the most noble achievement a football player can achieve in his career.

For more than 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have been the two names that have defined world football ,

creating an unprecedented competition for titles, records and influence. Although both have left Europe, Ronaldo now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Messi for Inter Miami in the United States, the debate over who is the greatest player in history has never cooled down. For many, that race will be “decided” in 2022, when Messi and the Argentina team touch the prestigious World Cup gold trophy. In the thrilling final match against France that ended 3-3 after 120 minutes, Messi scored two goals and inspired Argentina to win in the penalty shootout, ending a glorious journey that lasted nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo also had glorious moments at the national team level with the Euro 2016 championship and two UEFA Nations League titles. However, the World Cup dream is still unfinished. When Portugal was eliminated by Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, striker Ronaldo could not hold back his tears as he left the field, ending his hope of realizing the biggest dream of his life. On Instagram, he shared that winning the World Cup was the biggest desire and ambition of his career, even though it was unattainable. But in a recent interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo said that trophies are not the only thing that defines his career. “If you ask me, is winning the World Cup a dream? No, it is not. And is it fair to judge the best player in the world based on just six or seven games? I don’t think so,” CR7 said. This sharing has caused a stir in public opinion , and Messi, who has confronted Ronaldo many times, gave an emotional response. At the American Business Forum in Florida, the Argentine superstar said that winning the World Cup was the “absolute pinnacle” of his football career. “Honestly, it is difficult to put that feeling into words. That title is not only for me, but also for my family, my teammates and the whole country of Argentina. Everyone saw that our people lived in joy, pride and extreme happiness after that victory,” Messi shared.

He added: “For me, the World Cup is the final milestone, the piece that completes my career. After that title, there is nothing bigger to pursue. I have had it all at club level, from the Champions League to the Ballon d’Or, and with the national team winning the Copa America. But only when I got my hands on the World Cup did I feel my career was truly complete.”

Messi’s statement was seen as a gentle but profound response to his old friend and rival. While Ronaldo emphasized that glory should not be measured by titles alone, Messi considered the World Cup championship a worthy reward for perseverance and passion. The two views clearly reflect the difference in philosophy and journey of the two greatest legends of modern football.

At the beginning of the interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo also admitted that he still considers himself the best player of all time, although he respects Messi very much. “Is Messi better than me? I don’t think so. I’m being honest. I don’t want to be modest here,” Ronaldo confidently asserted.

Despite being in the twilight of their careers, both legends have no intention of stopping. Messi, 38, has maintained his impressive form for Inter Miami, where he has just reached the milestone of 400 career assists. Ronaldo, 40, continues to score regularly in the Saudi Pro League , proving his rare stamina and passion for the game. Neither Messi nor Ronaldo have ruled out the possibility of playing in the 2026 World Cup , which will be held in North America. If that happens, fans will have another chance to see two icons of the era appear together on the biggest stage of world football, even if it may be for the last time. No matter how long the debate between “Messi and Ronaldo” lasts, both will always be living icons who have redefined the concept of greatness in football. And perhaps, as Messi once said, the most important thing is not just the title, but the journey, the happiness of living with passion and dedicating oneself to the round ball.