Ronaldo Nazário has ended the Messi vs Ronaldo debate, stating Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time after his World Cup hat-trick.
What happened?
Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.
Ronaldo Nazário praised Messi's performance, saying he is the best player of all time.
Why it matters for Ronaldo Nazário
Ronaldo Nazário's verdict settles the debate, giving his opinion on the matter.
The Brazilian legend believes Messi's longevity and ability to perform at the highest level make his achievements remarkable.
What comes next?
Messi now has the opportunity to become the outright leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals, equal to Miroslav Klose's record.
And he is chasing another piece of history, aiming to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles.
Ronaldo Nazário's comments came after Messi's stunning display in Kansas City.
The Argentine captain opened the scoring with a strike from outside the box before adding two more goals.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic also praised Messi, saying football may never see another player like him.
The Swede believes even another World Cup triumph would not alter Messi's legacy.
Ronaldo Nazário's verdict is a significant endorsement of Messi's status as the greatest player of all time.
So the debate is now over, according to the Brazilian legend.
But Messi's latest heroics have reignited discussions around his legacy.
The Argentine star is 38 years old and still performing at the highest level.
Ronaldo Nazário's comments are a testament to Messi's incredible career.
And his opinion carries weight, given his own status as a football legend.
Messi's record-equalling hat-trick was a stunning display of his skill and ability.
The Argentine captain's goals helped his team begin their title defence in style.
Ronaldo Nazário believes it is time for the world to accept Messi as the best player of all time.
The Brazilian legend's verdict is a significant moment in the debate.