Cristiano Ronaldo has been told Lionel Messi is “living rent free in his head” after claiming that his Euros win is equivalent to a World Cup triumph.
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Portugal savoured continental glory in 2016Argentina landed global crown at Qatar 2022Supporters react to bold trophy claim from CR7WHAT HAPPENED?
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner formed part of a Portugal squad that upset the odds to land a continental crown back in 2016. Ronaldo left the final of that competition in tears after picking up an injury, but helped to drag his team-mates over the line when taking on a coaching role alongside manager Fernando Santos.
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Ronaldo lifted the European Championship trophy as captain of his country, and has gone on to savour UEFA Nations League glory. Eternal rival Messi did, however, inspire Argentina to World Cup immortality in 2022 – allowing him to win an eighth Golden Ball.
WHAT RONALDO SAID
Ronaldo has now suggested that his achievements match anything that Messi has done, telling after registering the 900th competitive goal of his remarkable career in a Nations League win over Croatia and being quizzed on whether the lack of a global title on his stunning CV is the cause of some frustration: "Portugal winning the Euros is the equivalent of winning the World Cup. I've already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted, so I'm not motivated by that [World Cup]."
GettyWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
CR7 has been mocked on social media for his comments, with @freeeaos one of those to go with the “Messi living rent free in his head” theme. @Barzaboy added “I'm 100% sure he didn't sleep the night Messi won the World Cup” while @CFC_OBED said “Winning Euros isn’t anything like World Cup my friend”. With Ronaldo accused of making himself look foolish, @EbukaMeansGreat said “Why does he keep embarrassing himself??” and @sol_promise accused the Portuguese of making a “clown statement”.