Ronaldo Nazário has hailed Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time after Messi overtook him in the FIFA World Cup all-time goals record.
What happened?
Lionel Messi scored a brilliant hat-trick, inspiring Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria in their World Cup opener at Kansas City Stadium on Tuesday, June 16.
Ronaldo Nazário had held second place with 15 goals for nearly two decades.
Why it matters for Ronaldo Nazário
Ronaldo Nazário stated that records are made to be broken and Messi's achievement doesn't surprise any football fan.
He added that every time Messi steps onto the pitch, everything else becomes historic and elegant.
What comes next?
Lionel Messi will aim to go back-to-back in his sixth and final World Cup, matching Ronaldo's record of winning the World Cup twice.
Ronaldo Nazário helped Brazil win the 1994 and 2002 editions.
And Messi has played down equaling Miroslav Klose's record of scoring 16 goals in FIFA World Cup history.
He admitted it's an honor to compete with one of the greats, but insisted it's just a statistic.
The Albiceleste are positioned well in Group J thanks to Lionel Messi's heroics against Algeria.
They are currently in first place with three points and will be back in action against Austria on Monday, June 22.
Ronaldo Nazário's record was broken on June 16, 2024, when Messi scored his 16th World Cup goal.
So the focus shifts to Messi's next match, where he will look to continue his impressive form.
But Ronaldo Nazário's legacy remains intact, with many still considering him one of the greatest players of all time.
And his praise for Messi is a testament to the Argentine's incredible skill and dedication to the sport.