Although the author remains a devoted fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, he admits that the player should have retired earlier before his physical capabilities diminished.
The History of Adoration for Ronaldo
The author, who is a staunch supporter of Cristiano Ronaldo, notes that it was thanks to this player that he fell in love with football and changed his perception of both club and international football. The initial admiration arose during Ronaldo's first spell at Manchester United, an English Premier League team supported by the author. However, Ronaldo captured the author's heart at Real Madrid, where he achieved legendary, almost flawless status in world football, much like aged wine.
Achievements and Decline
During his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or four times, and five in total, cementing his status as the best in the world. His subsequent move to Juventus demonstrated the player's ability to maintain a high level of intensity against younger opponents. When Ronaldo returned to Manchester United, millions of fans, including the author, had high hopes for his continued play. The first season after his return met these expectations, but the following season turned into chaos, largely due to manager Erik ten Hag, who limited Ronaldo's playing time.
World Cup and Realities
As Ronaldo approached the age of 36, the author realized that his game was changing, which became evident at the 2022 World Cup. It became clear at the tournament that the player's prime days were behind him, as he contributed little to the attacks of the Portuguese national team. When coach Fernando Santos eventually left him on the bench in the playoffs, the author assumed that Ronaldo would understand it was time to leave international football. However, Ronaldo continued to play, embracing Roberto Martínez's era and retaining the captain's armband. This period brought brief flashes of past brilliance, including leadership in goals during the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League.
Recent Performances and Comparison
Nevertheless, at the highest level of sport—the World Cup—his game finally surpassed him. The 41-year-old player acted merely as a passenger for Portugal, showing a lack of his usual aggression and clinical precision. After scoring two goals against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo stated to the cameras: 'I'm back!', which disappointed his main fans. Moreover, after the Spanish team, which shattered his World Cup dreams in the Round of 16, completely outperformed him, Ronaldo appeared completely unfazed, claiming that winning Euro 2016 was equivalent to winning the World Cup in his personal record. The author admits that this was hard to accept.
Messi as a Model
The author wanted a perfect farewell match for Ronaldo—a World Cup trophy to permanently place him alongside Diego Maradona, Pelé, and Lionel Messi. The author emphasizes that he now views Messi not just as one of the greats, but as a potential greatest of all time (GOAT) if he helps Argentina defend the title. Despite conspiracy theories, no one can deny that the short forward has always openly displayed his feelings. Messi has already scored eight goals and provided one assist in this tournament, increasing his tally to 21 goals and 9 assists in World Cup history.
Contrast in Player Styles
The contrast between the two icons has never been more apparent. While Ronaldo openly expressed dissatisfaction with the prospect of not starting for Portugal, Messi calmly accepted the need to manage his workload. He even agreed to come on as a substitute to deliver an impressive performance and score a goal in the 3-0 victory over Jordan. Furthermore, unlike Ronaldo, who acts as if he cannot make mistakes, Messi shows immense humility, acknowledging that his own performances could almost cost the team. This vulnerability united his teammates, creating a powerful support system that allows him to thrive and enjoy the final chapters of his career.