Messi says World Cup win was the ‘ultimate achievement’, dismissing Ronaldo’s GOAT claim - Inside World Football

Messi Calls World Cup Win the "Ultimate Achievement"

On November 7, Lionel Messi responded directly to Cristiano Ronaldo's statement that winning the World Cup does not define a player’s greatness. Speaking at the America Business Forum in Florida, Messi praised the 2022 Qatar World Cup victory as the pinnacle of any footballer’s career.

“It’s hard to put into words what that title meant – personally, for my family, for my team-mates, and for the country,” Messi said. “For a player, winning the World Cup is the ultimate achievement. That was the missing piece.”

Context in the Messi vs Ronaldo Debate

Messi’s remarks reignited the ongoing debate between the two football legends. His statement came just days after Ronaldo reignited the controversy during an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored.

“If you ask me, is it a dream to win the World Cup? No, it’s not a dream,” said the Al Nassr forward.

Summary of Perspectives

Author’s Takeaway

Messi firmly considers the World Cup victory the crowning achievement in football, countering Ronaldo's less conventional perspective on greatness.

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Inside World Football Inside World Football — 2025-11-07