Lionel Messi’s team-mate has dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo’s “GOAT” claims, insisting that the greatest players “don’t say it themselves”.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to impress at the age of 40, recently described himself as the most “complete” player in history. He believes his qualities and records put him above legends such as Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona.

Not everyone is convinced by Ronaldo’s argument, especially those closely associated with his arch-rival Lionel Messi. The Argentine legend has eight Ballons d’Or and is the most decorated player in history.

Accordingly, Messi’s teammate in the World Cup winning squad, Nahuel Molina, shared with Infobae about Ronaldo’s bold statement: “To be the best, you don’t have to say it yourself, other people will say it about you. That’s my thinking. I will never say I’m the best at anything, unless someone else comes and tells me: ‘You do this very well’.”

When asked about the GOAT debate, Atletico Madrid star Nahuel Molina was reluctant to give a definitive answer. “I have no doubt that Cristiano is a competitive machine and a world-class player. Whether he is the best in history or not, that is for others to judge,” he said.

Ronaldo and Messi have maintained impressive individual standards into the latter stages of their careers. CR7 continues to be the main striker for Portugal and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, while Inter Miami captain Messi enters the 2025 season as MLS Player of the Year.