'To be the best, you don't have to say it' - Cristiano Ronaldo's GOAT claim ripped apart by Lionel Messi's Argentina team-mate

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo – who is still going strong at 40 years of age - recently billed himself as the most “complete” player in history, with his qualities and record ranking him above the likes of Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona in that department.

Not everybody has been convinced by Ronaldo’s argument – particularly those with strong ties to his eternal rival Messi. The Argentine icon has eight Golden Balls to his name and is the most decorated player of all-time.

Messi’s fellow World Cup winner Nahuel Molina has told Infobae of Ronaldo’s bold statement: “To be the best, you don't have to say it yourself, it has to be said by others. That's what I think. I would never consider myself the best at anything unless someone else comes along and tells me: ‘You do this well’.”

Molina added when asked for his take on the GOAT debate, with the Atletico Madrid star reluctant to give a definitive answer: “I have no doubt that Cristiano is a competitive animal and a footballer. The best in history or not, that is for others to say.”

Ronaldo and Messi have been maintaining remarkable individual standards in the latter stages of their respective careers. CR7 remains a prolific presence for Portugal and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, while Inter Miami captain Messi is the reigning MVP of MLS heading into the 2025 campaign.