Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to defy age at World Cup 2026, with both players leading their nations' attacks at 41 and 39 respectively. However, leaked text messages from Ronaldo have shed light on his intense reaction whenever someone claims Messi is the greater footballer.
Leaked Texts Reveal Ronaldo's Competitive Nature
Former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand disclosed in 2021 that Ronaldo would send him texts after hearing pundits favor Messi. Speaking to Gary Lineker on the BBC during Euro 2020, Ferdinand said: "If you said some things like, you like Messi and your preference would be Messi, he will send me a text saying: 'I can't believe he said that, can't believe he's done that'. He just uses anything [as fuel]."
Ferdinand added: "You think, he's done so much in his life, 'Why do you care about what anyone says about you? You know you're the guy.' It's the competitive nature. That's all it is. And you need that."
Cassano Also Received Texts From Ronaldo
Former Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano also revealed in 2021 that Ronaldo had texted him after Cassano argued Messi was superior. Speaking on Bobo TV, Cassano said: "The other day, after Bobo TV, I saw a text from a Spanish number. Four long texts. I also forwarded them to Gigi [Buffon], who told me he had given my number to Cristiano. He told me that I had to respect him, I had to respect the goals he had scored, what he had won and what he represents. I fear nobody and I replied to him writing that I had just said the truth: there is only one Ronaldo and Messi is better than him."
World Cup 2026 Performances
At World Cup 2026, Messi has scored all five of Argentina's goals in wins over Algeria and Austria. Ronaldo, after a quiet opening draw against DR Congo, scored twice in Portugal's 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan. Both players remain central to their teams' campaigns, proving the GOAT debate is far from settled.
