Controversy Erupts as Ronaldo Challenges Messi’s Latest Accolade and Reflects on His Own Achievements
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a swipe at the credibility of FIFA’s The Best Award, following Lionel Messi’s recent triumph in the men’s player of the year category. Messi secured the prestigious accolade, leaving behind formidable contenders Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
The 36-year-old Argentine maestro clinched the award for the third time since its inception in 2016. His outstanding performances included contributing nine goals to Paris Saint-Germain’s successful French Ligue 1 title campaign and netting an impressive 10 goals in seven games as Inter Miami claimed the inaugural Leagues Cup in the United States.
Despite Messi’s remarkable achievements, controversy surrounds his victory, particularly regarding his performance between December 19, 2022, and August 20, 2023—the period the awards were based on. Critics argue that during this timeframe, Messi’s exploits were perceived as less extraordinary compared to his competitors.
In an exclusive interview with Record, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, cast doubt on the credibility of such prestigious awards. The Portuguese forward, currently boasting 24 goals in 25 games for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, expressed his skepticism: “I think that, in a way, these awards are losing credibility. We have to analyze the entire season. It’s not to say that Messi didn’t deserve it, or Haaland or even Mbappe. I simply no longer believe in these awards.”
Ronaldo went on to emphasize the importance of facts and numbers in determining the true merit of accolades, citing his own achievements as evidence. “They can’t take this trophy away from me because it’s a reality. So it makes me even happier because the numbers are facts.”
Acknowledging the challenges of being recognized for future awards, Ronaldo, who scored 54 goals in 2023, shared his realistic outlook. “We know how other organisms work. Obviously, I always think about my club and the national team first. The awards come after a good season for the club and the national team. I don’t think about it much, honestly.”
Ronaldo further addressed potential skepticism about his accomplishments in Saudi Arabia, stating, “A goal is a goal. In a way, I feel even more proud to have beaten Haaland, Mbappe, and [Harry] Kane.” Despite his candid comments, the football world awaits the upcoming Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best award announcements to see how Ronaldo’s assertions might influence the recognition of football’s top performers.
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