Ronaldo Nazario calls for Messi to be recognized as the greatest of all time
According to Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario, it is time for the football world to end all debates and recognize Lionel Messi as the greatest player in history following his World Cup's topscorer record.
"Every time Messi steps onto the pitch, everything is historic and artistic. It is time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he is the greatest of all time," Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo quoted Ronaldo Nazario on June 17.
49-year-old Ronaldo won the FIFA The Best award three times, in 1996, 1997, and 2002. Nicknamed "The Phenomenon" for his extraordinary goal-scoring ability during his playing career, he also won the World Cup twice, in 1994 and 2002.
Ronaldo’s comments came after Messi scored a hat-trick, including two left-footed goals from outside the box and a right-footed rebound into the far corner, helping Argentina thrash Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group J match of the 2026 World Cup at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on June 16.
The hat-trick helped Messi raise his total number of World Cup goals to 16, equaling Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s record. It also marked the first time in his career that the Argentina captain scored a hat-trick at the world’s biggest football tournament.
"Records are made to be broken, and the person who breaks them surprises no football fan. Also, Argentina are the reigning champions of the competition," commented Nazario on Messi’s new milestone.
The 1994 and 2002 World Cup champion also highlighted Messi’s incredible consistency throughout his career. The Argentinian star is the first player to appear in six men’s World Cups and holds many tournament records. He surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo to become the oldest player to score a hat-trick.
"He keeps delivering every season and in the World Cup. It’s an unforgettable and historic night that will go down in the books forever," added Nazario.
Argentina will face Austria in the second match of Group J at the 2026 World Cup at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, USA, at 00:00 (GMT+7) on June 23.
Lionel Messi celebrates his goal in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in the 2026 World Cup Group J opener in Kansas City, U.S., June 16, 2026. Photo by Reuters
