{
  "id": 14039191,
  "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is the ‘best in history’ while addressing Lionel Messi relationship",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/cristiano-ronaldo-insists-he-is-the-best-in-history-while-addressing",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T20:23:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cristiano-ronaldo-insists-best-history-202321883.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cristiano Ronaldo remains steadfast in his belief that he is the greatest soccer player of all time, despite recent personal and professional challenges. The 41-year-old soccer star, who recently returned to action in the Saudi Pro League, scored his 980th career goal during a match against Al-Diriyah, bringing him closer to the 1,000-goal milestone. Ronaldo's comments come as he addresses the ongoing debate about who is the greatest of all time, along with his longtime rival Lionel Messi.\n\nRonaldo acknowledged that personal preferences exist, and he respects those who favor Messi, Pelé, or Diego Maradona. However, he firmly asserts that dismissing him as incomplete is a lie, emphasizing his current form and productivity. Ronaldo argues that things must happen naturally and that his goal tally speaks for itself, claiming he is the best in history.\n\nWith several more league games and AFC Champions League matches still to come, Ronaldo could potentially surpass the 1,000-goal mark. Meanwhile, Messi has already won eight Ballon d'Or awards, with 934 all-time goals to his name. As Messi has a few more years before his contract with Inter Miami expires, Ronaldo's lead in goals could potentially be widened.\n\nDespite their competitive rivalry, Ronaldo and Messi have maintained a mutually respectful relationship throughout their careers. Ronaldo noted that the two shared the award podium for 15 years and always treated each other well, even translating for one another when needed. Both players recognize that as they near the end of their careers, their healthy rivalry can be likened to that of F1 icons Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, who motivated each other to perform at their best.",
  "summary": "Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has made clear his stance on where he ranks among soccer's all-time greats, while also opening up on his relationship with fellow sporting icon Lionel Messi",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}