Ronaldo Nazario has a message for the world: Stop hiding and accept - Messi is the GOAT!
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 18.06.26. | 11:52
When a figure of his stature says something like this...
It's been a day since Lionel Messi lit up Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, single-handedly destroyed Algeria with a hat-trick, and reminded everyone that even at 38, he still has a lot to offer.
The Argentine once again impressed the football world, reigniting the popular GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate.
So far, he has been widely considered one of the greatest ever, but is it finally time to elevate him to undisputed status?
The hat-trick against the Desert Foxes moved Leo to the top of the World Cup goal-scoring list. He is now level with Miroslav Klose, but it’s only a matter of time before he pulls clear at the summit.
One of the players he has now surpassed is Ronaldo Nazario, another legendary player, who doesn't have any doubts about the GOAT debate.
“Records are made to be broken, and the person who breaks it doesn’t surprise any football fan in the world. Besides, Argentina is the current reigning champion of the competition."
🚨🗣️ | Ronaldo on Messi last night:
— AllThingsBrazil™ (@SelecaoTalk) June 17, 2026
“It's time for the world to accept. Messi is the GREATEST of all time.
Every time Messi steps onto the pitch, everything becomes historic and elegant.
It's time for the world to stop hiding and accept he is the greatest player of all time.” pic.twitter.com/49qtCITFd5
“Every time Messi steps onto the pitch, everything else becomes historic and elegant. It’s time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he is the best player of all time."
“He continues to perform every season, and at the World Cup, yet there are still doubts about him. It’s an unforgettable and historic night that will go down in history forever,” the Brazilian said, per TyC Sports, via Yahoo Sports.
And when the man who won two World Cups, scored 15 goals in Mundials, and is to this day considered arguably the most lethal scorer ever, says something like that, no one can object.
If Ronaldo, the Brazilian, doesn't favour his compatriot Pele, but puts the fiercest rival, an Argentine, to the pedestal, it has to carry significant weight.
Finally, if such an icon admires and bows to Messi, how can the rest of us not do the same?
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)
Group J
Monday 22.06.
20.00: (1.60) Argentina (3.90) Austria (6.00)
Tuesday 23.06.
06.00: (5.50) Jordan (3.70) Algeria (1.67)
***odds are subject to change***