The Portuguese national team delivered a standout performance throughout the 2025 UEFA Nations League, knocking out major contenders like Denmark and Germany on their way to the title. Led by a resurgent Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal captured the championship in dominant fashion. The win marks Ronaldo’s third major trophy with the national team, sparking renewed comparisons to Lionel Messi and his decorated career with Argentina.
Since making his debut in 2003, Ronaldo has claimed three major titles with Portugal: two UEFA Nations League trophies and the UEFA Euro. Meanwhile, Messi edges ahead in international accolades, winning five titles with Argentina, highlighted by a FIFA World Cup, two Copa America championships, a UEFA Finalissima, and an Olympic gold medal from the 2008 Games.
Although both players made history with their national teams, critics targeted them for years. They failed to win major international titles early in their careers. However, Cristiano responded at age 31 by winning the 2016 UEFA Euro. On the other hand, Messi’s path was different. He won Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games when he was just 21. Yet many dismissed that tournament as lacking true international significance. Because of this, he did not silence his critics until 2021. At 34, he finally lifted the Copa America.
Both players achieved the most important goal: they dominated at the club level and excelled with their national teams. However, Cristiano still has one task left to complete. He needs to win a FIFA World Cup as that title would place him alongside Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi. These three legends are central to the GOAT debate. Each of them has at least one World Cup to their name. Therefore, the 2026 edition could be Cristiano’s greatest opportunity.
Does Cristiano Ronaldo need to win a FIFA World Cup trophy to be considered the GOAT?
Just like Lionel Messi, the absence of a FIFA World Cup trophy with Portugal will always follow Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate. This point becomes even more complicated because Messi has already won the trophy. However, defining greatness based only on a trophy earned in a team setting feels unfair as individual excellence deserves more weight in this discussion.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy in world soccer stands strong and unquestionable. He has won every major title at the club level. He also became Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer. On top of that, he made history in the Premier League with Manchester United. There, he won the Ballon d’Or and established himself as a global star.
Beyond club achievements, his personal records speak volumes. He became the first player to score more than 900 official goals. Now, he is only 62 goals away from becoming the first ever to reach 1,000 in official competitions.