Lionel Messi is undisputed greatest footballer of all time - Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo, the legendary former Brazil striker, believes that Lionel Messi is the undisputed greatest player of all time, claiming the Argentina captain's latest masterclass for his country has put the debate beyond doubt.
On a day when France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland both scored twice, Messi went one better by netting his first-ever hat-trick at a FIFA World Cup as the defending champions beat Algeria 3-0 to get their campaign off to a winning start.
In doing so, the 38-year-old equalled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals in Kansas City. With the second of his three strikes, the Inter Miami forward went level with Brazil great Ronaldo across his six World Cup appearances.
Messi will have the opportunity to claim sole possession of the record in Argentina’s remaining Group J fixtures against Austria and Jordan.
However, he will be looking over his shoulder at Mbappe, who moved onto 14 goals with a brace against Senegal and could yet strengthen his own challenge when Les Bleus face Iraq on Monday.
Speaking after witnessing history, former Real Madrid and Internazionale striker Ronaldo spoke in glowing terms about the Argentina maestro, claiming that the age-old debate over who is the world's greatest player of all time is now over.
"Every time Messi steps on the pitch, the rest becomes historic and elegant," said Ronaldo. "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."
Debate has raged over whether Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo hold the crown as the world's greatest.
Aged 41 years and 132 days old, Ronaldo is over two years Messi's senior and the Al Nassr forward began his sixth World Cup finals against DR Congo on Wednesday in Houston.
With five Ballon d'Or trophies to his name following a glittering career - his last coming in 2017 - Ronaldo has a claim to the throne, but with Portugal, he has managed just eight goals to date on the world's biggest stage.
Given the widespread adulation for the former Manchester United forward, who has 973 senior goals for club and country, the careers of two of the game's very best are often intertwined and viewed as being on a par. The Portuguese has 143 goals to his name at international level, 23 more than Messi.
But Messi has the same number of Ballon D'Ors - eight - as the other 1,247 players combined taking part at this summer's World Cup, and it is his longevity which Ronaldo Nazario believes must now count in his favour.
"Records are made to be broken and the person who breaks it does not surprise any football fan in the world," the Brazilian added.
"In addition, Argentina is the current reigning champion of the competition. Argentina has a great team, but he is still the difference-maker. At his age, he maintains a winning mentality that sets him apart from the rest."
- Messi 'class is permanent'
Argentina were beaten by Saudi Arabia in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup, but went on to lift the trophy in Qatar as Messi inspired his country to victory against France on penalties in the final.
There were no such problems this time for The Albiceleste and for Messi there was a neat symmetry of him becoming the oldest goalscorer for his country at a World Cup, exactly 20 years to the day since he became the youngest, making his debut as an 18-year-old at Germany 2006.
Speaking after his side were beaten in Kansas City, Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic said: "Class is permanent, because we're not talking about any old player here, we're talking about a footballer who has won the Ballon d'Or seven or eight times in his career.
"Unfortunately, we also afforded him an opportunity with the first and second goal, and we made it easier for him to score the goals. But Messi, with his clear thinking at crucial stages of the game, can do things that much more easily.
"He has the privilege that the entire Argentina team works for him and supports him, and for several years, nay for decades, he's been doing incredible things. Argentina had 10 shots today, and seven of those shots came from Messi."