Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain two of the biggest names in football at World Cup 2026, both scoring goals for their nations. However, leaked text messages allegedly from Ronaldo reveal his fierce reaction whenever Messi is deemed superior.
Ronaldo's Response to Messi Comparisons
Ronaldo, 41, and Messi, 39, continue to defy age. Argentina have scored five goals at the tournament, all by Messi, in wins over Algeria and Austria. Portugal, after a draw with DR Congo, thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 with a brace from Ronaldo.
Former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, who played with Ronaldo for six years, disclosed details of texts he received from Ronaldo in 2021. 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]."
Cassano Also Received Messages
Former Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano also revealed receiving texts from Ronaldo in 2021 after Cassano stated Messi was better. 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."
Ronaldo's competitive drive is evident, but these leaked messages show his sensitivity to criticism, fueling the ongoing GOAT debate.
