Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has definitively stated that he is no longer concerned with the relentless public debate over who holds the title of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) between himself and long-time rival, Lionel Messi. The Portugal and Real Madrid legend insists that the constant comparisons no longer hold relevance for him, preferring his historic achievements to stand on their own merit.
Moving Beyond the Rivalry
Speaking in a new, high-profile interview with Piers Morgan on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo addressed the rivalry that has dominated football discourse for nearly two decades. The debate intensified significantly after Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a feat many fans argued conclusively settled the matter in his favour.
However, Ronaldo conveyed a sense of detachment from the ongoing argument.
“Piers, I don't care about that anymore, seriously,” Ronaldo stated during the interview. “I've done so many interviews, said so many things… If I say something now, people won't be surprised. These stories speak for themselves.” (Source: Piers Morgan Uncensored Interview Transcript, November 2025).
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner emphasized that personal preference plays a major role in the argument, comparing it to subjective tastes. "They have opinions. Some people like blonde, some like dark; it's okay, no problem for me," he explained, suggesting the debate is fundamentally subjective.
Focus On National Glory
Ronaldo pointedly dismissed the idea that winning the World Cup was the sole deciding factor in a player's greatness, countering the central argument often used against him since 2022.
“But to say if Cristiano wins the World Cup, it changes everything, no, that doesn't make sense for me,” he argued. Instead, he highlighted his pride in his monumental contribution to Portugal's national team, which had historically struggled to win major tournaments before his era.
“I win, we won, three titles for Portugal's history. Before, Portugal never won anything. I'm glad. I'm so happy,” he said, referencing his part in Portugal's victory in the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League (which Portugal also recently won again, confirming his impact on the national team’s trajectory).
When directly questioned by Morgan on whether winning the World Cup would have held greater significance for him, Ronaldo admitted, “Yeah, it would be nice… but it's not an obsession.”
Ronaldo remains one of the sport's most decorated figures, holding records as Portugal's all-time top scorer and boasting a trophy cabinet that includes five UEFA Champions League titles alongside numerous other domestic and international honors. His recent comments indicate a deliberate pivot away from chasing external validation toward celebrating an already unparalleled career.
Source: Official interview transcript from Piers Morgan Uncensored (November 2025), citing statements made by Cristiano Ronaldo.