Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has weighed in on football’s long-running Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate, declaring Lionel Messi the finest player the sport has ever produced following the Argentine captain’s stunning hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup opener.
Messi delivered a brilliant display in Kansas City on Tuesday, scoring all three goals in Argentina’s convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria. The Inter Miami star produced a clinical performance, helping the defending champions begin their title defence in emphatic fashion.
The achievement was particularly impressive as Messi had been managing a hamstring concern in the build-up to the match, yet he showed little sign of discomfort as he inspired his side to victory.
Speaking to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Ronaldo said Messi’s latest performance should put any remaining doubts about his status to rest.
“There comes a moment when we must stop hiding from the obvious. Messi is the best this sport has ever produced. He proves it year after year, and still people question him. What he did on Tuesday night was not just special – it was immortal. That performance will be etched in football history forever.”
The hat-trick was a landmark moment in Messi’s illustrious career. It was his first World Cup treble and took his tally in the competition to 16 goals.
The feat saw him draw level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart, while also moving beyond Ronaldo’s own total of 15 goals at the tournament.
Ronaldo welcomed the achievement, insisting that records are meant to be surpassed by exceptional players.
“Records exist to be broken, and when someone like Messi breaks them, it surprises nobody who truly understands football. He is the reigning world champion, and he plays like one. This Argentina side has the hunger to go all the way again.”
Messi’s heroics contrasted sharply with the fortunes of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, whose Portugal side were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo. The veteran forward struggled to make a significant impact and missed two promising opportunities in the second half.
The result extended Ronaldo’s wait for a goal in major international tournaments, increasing scrutiny over his role in Portugal’s attack.
Argentina, meanwhile, will now focus on their next Group B fixture against Austria on Monday. A victory would leave Lionel Scaloni’s men well placed to reach the knockout stage as they pursue a rare feat – becoming only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Portugal, on the other hand, face a crucial encounter against Uzbekistan as they seek to revive their campaign and keep their hopes of progression alive.
