Brazil legend Ronaldo says world should now accept Messi as the greatest footballer of all time

Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria reignites praise from two former superstars who believe the debate over football’s greatest player is long over

With a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s World Cup opener, Lionel Messi has also raised his tally of World Cup goals to 16, tying the all-time mark with Germany’s Miroslav Klose. Reuters

Lionel Messi's dazzling start to the 2026 World Cup has prompted fresh acclaim from some of football's most celebrated figures, with Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario declaring that the time has come to recognise the talismanic Argentine as the greatest player the game has ever seen.

Messi launched Argentina's title defence in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria to underline his enduring brilliance at the age of 38.

With the hat-trick, the left-footed maestro also raised his tally of World Cup goals to 16, tying the all-time mark with Germany’s Miroslav Klose.

According to Yahoo Sports, Ronaldo believes the long-running debate over football's greatest player should now be settled.

“Records are made to be broken, and the person who breaks it doesn’t surprise any football fan in the world. Besides, Argentina is the current reigning champion of the competition,” Ronaldo was quoted as saying by Yahoo Sports.

"Every time Messi steps on the pitch, the rest becomes historic and elegant," said Ronaldo, also known as R9 to to TyC Sports. "It's time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he's the greatest player of all time.

"What he does on the pitch defies all logic. Watching him play at this level, with the calmness and clarity he does it with, is an absolute privilege for anyone who loves football.

"He continues to perform every season and in the World Cup, however, there are still doubts about him. It is an unforgettable and historic night that will go down in the history books forever," added Ronaldo, also nicknamed the Phenomenon.

Former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic also showed his admiration for Messi.

“I don’t believe we’ll see another Messi, because he’s special,” Ibrahimovic told Fox.

“It’s something natural. It seems like football was made for him. Everything he touches turns to gold. And he has a team ready to die for him.

“Winning another World Cup won’t change his status as the greatest of all time. It will just be another trophy in the trophy room.”