Former Argentina goalkeeper Hugo Gatti believes Cristiano Ronaldo will surpass Lionel Messi and shine at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese superstar has received much praise for his physical strength, as well as his ability to adapt to different tournaments.
In a recent interview on La Nacion, Gatti was asked which of the two superstars would perform better at the 2026 World Cup. “But Cristiano is better than him, right? Physically Cristiano looks like a 20-year-old kid,” Gatti commented.
The two superstars have appeared together at five World Cups, with Argentina winning the trophy in 2022. Now, both are approaching the end of their careers and speculation is rife about whether they will feature at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
When asked if Messi could play at the next World Cup, Gatti said it was possible but not as good as before, playing in the US. Meanwhile, he said Ronaldo plays in the Saudi Pro League and can still play at the 2026 World Cup.
Gatti affirmed: “Yes, but it is more difficult there. Everyone plays aggressively, sticks to you. Cristiano is a phenomenon, better than Messi. He plays for the top teams in the world, which Messi has not done outside of Barcelona and the Argentina national team.”
The former Argentina player also expressed his great anticipation for the 2026 World Cup – the first final round to bring together 48 national teams.
