Cristiano Ronaldo's incredibly honest view on whether Lionel Messi has settled the GOAT debate for good

Cristiano Ronaldo gave a refreshingly honest answer when asked if rival Lionel Messi has established himself as the greatest footballer of all time.

Ever since both Ronaldo and Messi established themselves as some of the best footballers of their generation, fans have compared the two players, labelling them two of the best to ever do it.

Across their careers, both men have won almost everything there is to win in football, including trophies for both club and country as well as individual honours.

However, there is one thing that Messi has done that his Portuguese rival is yet to accomplish, and Ronaldo has responded to claims that this one fact has settled the GOAT debate.

In 2022, Messi finally achieved his dream as he captained Argentina to glory in the World Cup in Qatar, lifting the coveted trophy that has evaded Ronaldo throughout his career.

Following Argentina's victory in the now-iconic World Cup final match with France, many fans claimed that Messi had settled the GOAT debate once and for all, but Ronaldo isn't so sure.

Speaking about the GOAT debate, Ronaldo played down the impact of potentially missing out on lifting the World Cup could have on his legacy.

Ronaldo said previously: "Even if I win the World Cup that will continue. Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.

"I have always had to show what I can do year after year. I would love to win this tournament.

Lionel Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. (Image: Getty)

"I’m ambitious but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments I would still be happy given all I have won. In the history books, all other records will be there. But obviously, a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream."

Ronaldo could have one more chance to lift the iconic World Cup trophy should he make Roberto Martínez's squad for the 2026 tournament which will be jointly hosted by 16 cities across the USA, Mexico and Canada.

However, with both Argentina and Brazil impressing at the Copa America and the likes of Spain, France and England establishing themselves as some of the top teams in the world at the Euro 2024, Portugal will head into the 2026 World Cup as sizeable underdogs.