Ronaldo Fenômeno stokes debate by calling Messi the greatest of all time

Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Fenômeno has ignited a fresh debate over the greatest player in football history by declaring Argentine star Lionel Messi as the best of all time. In an interview with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo following Argentina’s World Cup match against Algeria, Ronaldo said: “Every time Messi steps onto the pitch, everything else becomes historic and elegant. It is time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he is the best player of all time.” Ronaldo, who himself is a two-time World Cup winner and one of the sport’s most iconic forwards, praised Messi’s consistent high-level performances and called his World Cup display an unforgettable and historic night that will be forever recorded in the history books.

Messi responded with characteristic humility after scoring a hat‑trick against Algeria, which made him the all‑time top scorer in World Cup history. “It is an honour obviously to be there for what it means. To be alongside Klose, close to Ronaldo. But I think it doesn’t mean anything. In the end it’s statistics and nothing more. Although I am proud to compete with all of them, it doesn’t mean anything to me. Ronaldo, of those I have seen, was one of the greatest and it’s not the first. So, it’s just statistics,” Messi said.

Ronaldo’s remarks have divided opinion. Prominent Brazilian sports commentator Juca Kfouri, writing for UOL, called the statement a “heresy,” arguing that Messi is not the best of all time and that no one doubts his talent. Kfouri noted that Ronaldo, born in 1976, never saw Pelé play except in films and should be more careful with football history. “He could have thanked without overdoing it,” Kfouri wrote.

The exchange highlights the enduring rivalry between those who champion Pelé, Diego Maradona, and now Messi as the sport’s GOAT. While many modern fans and pundits hold Messi in the highest regard, traditionalists insist that Pelé’s three World Cup titles and all‑time achievements remain unmatched. Ronaldo’s unequivocal backing of Messi adds a powerful voice to one side of the debate.