Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has hailed Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário as one of the greatest players in football history after surpassing his FIFA World Cup goal tally.
Messi achieved the feat after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The three goals saw the 38-year-old Inter Miami forward move past Ronaldo’s World Cup scoring record of 15 goals and draw level with Germany great Miroslav Klose on 16 goals.
Reacting to the milestone, Messi said it was a privilege to be mentioned alongside some of the greatest players to have graced the tournament.
“It is a great honour to be able to compete with all these greats, including Ronaldo Nazario, among the players I have watched,” Messi said, according to Albiceleste Talk.
Reflecting on Ronaldo’s legacy, the Argentine captain expressed surprise that the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker was not at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.
“He was one of the greatest players of all time, and yet he is not in first place. So in the end, it’s just a statistic.”
Messi will now look to continue his impressive form and help Argentina secure another victory when they take on Austria in their next World Cup fixture.
