Every player wants that beautiful story - Portugal star admits Cristiano Ronaldo wants to be like Lionel Messi
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Photo Credits: IMAGO/PA

Every player wants that beautiful story - Portugal star admits Cristiano Ronaldo wants to be like Lionel Messi

David Ben 12:27 - 20.03.2025

Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to win more silverware with Portugal before his retirement.

Portugal star Diogo Dalot, has expressed the national team's collective desire to secure a FIFA World Cup victory for their iconic captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, before he hangs up his boots. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be 41 by the time of the 2026 World Cup, has achieved almost every accolade in football, including five Ballon d'Or awards and multiple league titles across England, Spain, and Italy. 

Portugal pin World Cup hopes on Ronaldo

Ronaldo's commitment to the national team is unwavering. 

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is the highest goal scorer in football history | Credit: Imago

His leadership was instrumental in Portugal's triumphs at the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019

However, the World Cup has remained elusive.

Reflecting on this, Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate told reporters as per GOAL: "Obviously it is difficult to find more adjectives to describe Cristiano.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot celebrate a milestone goal for Portugal | Imago

“For me, and I believe for others too, it is a huge privilege to continue having him in the national team, to share moments and to soak up the experience of his career and obviously there is this energy of wanting to see him win big competitions for Portugal," 

 "The love he has shown throughout his career cannot be questioned and for us, using that as an example, it would be a beautiful story to see him win as many competitions as possible for Portugal. I believe that every player wants that."

Messi and Ronaldo's trophy tally

Messi has won more career trophies (45) than Ronaldo (33) | Credits: Imago

The careers of Ronaldo and his Argentine counterpart, Lionel Messi, have been intertwined in a narrative of mutual brilliance and rivalry.

 Both have amassed an impressive array of team and individual honours.

Lionel Messi celebrating after winning the World Cup || Imago

As of March 2025, Messi remains the footballer with the most trophies in history having secured 45 team trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles and the Copa America, while Ronaldo boasts 33 team trophies, encompassing five UEFA Champions League titles and the UEFA European Championship. 

Cristiano Ronaldo won the Euros with Portugal in 2016 || Imago

This comparison often fuels debates among fans and pundits alike. 

While Messi achieved his World Cup dream in 2022, Ronaldo's pursuit continues. Dalot's comments highlight the team's recognition of this gap and their determination to bridge it.

The Portuguese national team is undergoing a period of transition, blending experienced players like Ronaldo with emerging talents. 

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the footballing community will keenly watch Portugal's journey.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping to lead Portugal to World Cup glory next year | Credit: Imago

The prospect of Ronaldo lifting the World Cup trophy would not only be a testament to his legacy but also a historic moment for Portuguese football. 

Ronaldo and Dalot return to action for Portugal when they face Denmark in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final tie on Thursday, March 20.

The winner of the tie will be placed in a group with Hungary, Ireland and Armenia in the FIFA World Cup qualifying.

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