Eric Djemba-Djemba: Cristiano Ronaldo wants World Cup for himself, not because of Lionel Messi | OneFootball

"I think Cristiano wants to win the World Cup, not because of Messi, because of him, not because of Messi."

"It was a challenge between the two, but Cristiano was doing it for him, for himself, and he wants to win this World Cup for him, not because of Messi, no." He was speaking to Goal.com.

Ronaldo will, like Messi, appear at a sixth World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, a feat never previously achieved.

Messi lifted the trophy in 2022 and turns 39 on 24 June, and there is an expectation he will retire from internationals after the tournament in the United States.

Ronaldo, 41, has shown little sign of slowing, becoming a Saudi Pro League title winner at Al-Nassr in 2026, and remains intent on reaching 1,000 career goals. A World Cup on North American soil would complete his medal collection.

"Of course. You have to have something to push you to be the best, and Cristiano was helping Messi to push him, and Messi was helping Cristiano to push him."

Argentina face Algeria on 16 June, and it remains to be seen whether Messi will be fit to start and captain his side. Ronaldo should skipper Portugal the following day against DR Congo.

Source: Goal.com