Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Subtle Message to Lionel Messi After 900th Career Goal

Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines recently by scoring his 900th career goal in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Nations League. This significant milestone, celebrated with visible emotion, not only underscored Ronaldo’s remarkable career achievements but also seemed to carry an underlying message directed at his long-time rival, Lionel Messi.

After the match, Ronaldo was asked about the possibility of participating in the 2026 World Cup. At 41 years old by then, Ronaldo dismissed any concerns about ending his career without a World Cup title. Instead, he emphasized his satisfaction with his current accomplishments, stating that winning the UEFA Euro 2016 was comparable to clinching a World Cup. “Portugal winning the Euros is equivalent to winning a World Cup,” Ronaldo asserted. “I’ve already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted. I’m not motivated by that. I’m motivated by enjoying football, and the records come naturally.”

Lionel Messi recently secured a World Cup victory

Ronaldo’s remarks have sparked speculation among fans, some interpreting his comments as a veiled critique of Messi. Messi, who recently secured a World Cup victory with Argentina and has scored 867 career goals, was the subject of some fans’ reactions to Ronaldo’s statements. One fan suggested that Messi’s World Cup triumph was weighing heavily on Ronaldo’s mind, while others used the moment to reinforce Messi’s status as the greatest of all time.

Reflecting on his historic goal, Ronaldo shared the personal significance of reaching the 900-goal mark. He spoke about the immense dedication required to maintain peak physical and mental condition and described the milestone as a deeply emotional achievement. “It represents a lot. It was a number I wanted to achieve for a long time and I knew I would achieve it because, as I continue to play, it would happen naturally,” Ronaldo explained. “I have already won two trophies for Portugal, something I really wanted. Whatever comes next is spectacular.”

As Ronaldo continues to break records and inspire with his performances, his focus remains on enjoying the game and contributing to his team’s success.