Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still two of the biggest names in football at World Cup 2026 and are firing in goals for fun.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to defy age while representing their nations at World Cup 2026, as their enduring rivalry shows no sign of slowing. However, the Portugal captain’s alleged reaction whenever someone suggests his Argentine rival is superior speaks volumes.
The argument over whether Messi or Ronaldo is the greatest footballer ever to grace a pitch feels as timeless as the sport itself. The duo are 39 and 41 respectively, yet both remain performing at the pinnacle of world football. Argentina have found the net five times at World Cup 2026 during victories over Algeria and Austria. Messi netted every single one. Ronaldo faced scrutiny following Portugal’s opening draw against DR Congo, but silenced doubters with a brace in their emphatic 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan as he trades blows with his rival.
Some might have expected the GOAT discussion to have been settled by now, yet neither Messi nor Ronaldo appears ready to call time. Indeed, if leaked messages are genuine, whenever Messi’s credentials are championed above Ronaldo’s, the former Manchester United forward’s fierce competitive streak means he simply cannot resist responding.
Rio Ferdinand was Ronaldo’s team-mate for six years at Old Trafford. Back in 2021, he revealed details of texts he claimed he had received from his ex-colleague about pundits arguing the Messi versus Ronaldo question.
Speaking to Gary Lineker on the BBC during Euro 2020, Ferdinand said: “If you said some things like, you like Messi and your preference would be Messi, he will send me a text saying: ‘I can’t believe he said that, can’t believe he’s done that’. He just uses anything [as fuel].
“You think, he’s done so much in his life, ‘Why do you care about what anyone says about you? You know you’re the guy.’ It’s the competitive nature. That’s all it is. And you need that.”
Ronaldo’s response when his brilliance is called into question demonstrates a competitive streak that undoubtedly drives him at 41. However, Ferdinand isn’t the only individual he has allegedly revealed his authentic character to.
During 2021, former Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano disclosed that he had received several messages from the Portugal international along comparable lines. They insisted that he demonstrate proper respect after emphasising Messi’s supremacy.
Speaking on Bobo TV, the Italian said: “The other day, after Bobo TV, I saw a text from a Spanish number. Four long texts. I also forwarded them to Gigi [Buffon], who told me he had given my number to Cristiano.
“He told me that I had to respect him, I had to respect the goals he had scored, what he had won and what he represents. I fear nobody and I replied to him writing that I had just said the truth: there is only one Ronaldo and Messi is better than him.”
