Cristiano Ronaldo appears to hit out at long-time rival Lionel Messi after scoring a historic goal in Portugal's 2-1 win over Croatia Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to send a message to Lionel Messi after scoring his 900th career goal, saying his Euro 2016 triumph was "the equivalent of winning the World Cup".
Ronaldo scored a historic goal as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the Nations League on Thursday and burst into tears as he celebrated.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo was asked about the prospect of playing at the 2026 World Cup.
The striker, then 41, insisted the prospect of ending his career without winning the World Cup had not bothered him since, having won the Euros and the Nations League with Portugal.
“Winning the Euros for Portugal is the equivalent of winning the World Cup,” Ronaldo insisted.
"I won two titles with Portugal, that's what I really wanted.
That's not what drives me.
I'm driven by the joy of football and records come naturally.
" Some fans took his comments as a dig at his long-time rival Messi, who has scored 867 career goals and won the World Cup with Argentina last year.
"Messi lives freely in his head," one wrote.
A second added: "I'm 100% sure he didn't sleep the night Messi won the World Cup.
" A third wrote: "I just confirmed why Messi is the best.
" Reflecting on the milestone, Ronaldo said: "Only me and those around me know how hard it is to work every day to be physically and mentally fit and reach the 900 goal.
It's a special milestone in my career and it makes me very emotional celebrating this goal “It means a lot.
It's a number I've wanted to reach for a long time and I knew I would reach it because as I continued to play it came naturally.
“I won two titles for Portugal, that's what I really wanted.
What happens next is going to be spectacular.
” Ronaldo has previously said he wants to reach 1,000 career goals, telling former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand before the game: "I'll get 900 soon and then 1,000.
"If I don't get any injuries, that's the most important thing, I want that.
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