“Why Is He Flaming (Cristiano) Ronaldo,” – Lionel Messi’s Recent World Cup Jibe Sparks Fan Speculations

2024 Copa America is just around the corner. Among the 16 teams buzzing with confidence in Argentina. The reigning champions are keen to bring the trophy back to their home soil for the 16th time. Not to forget that they enter the tournaments as the current World Champions, they won’t settle for less. In fact, recent remarks from their skipper, Lionel Messi, have underscored their resolve. However, it has simultaneously ignited disbelief among fans, who perceive them as a subtle dig at his arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Recently, the Inter Miami star sat down for an interview with renowned Argentinian journalist Martin Arevalo. Interestingly, during the lengthy chat, the 36-year-old discussed about his 2022 World Cup triumph. However, it escalated to make him an eyebrow-raising statement. He said, “I never gave importance to records. I wouldn’t play in a World Cup just to say: ‘I was in 6 World Cups.'”

Now to make you realize what the commotion has been about, one shall understand what Messi is trying to say. The former Barcelona man emphasized that his aim isn’t to play just for the records. When closely analyzed, the 8x Ballon d’Or winner’s claim is quite the opposite of what Ronaldo usually thinks. Everyone is aware that the Portuguese superstar has an extra-winning mentality. The 39-year-old has often made it clear that awards are what matters the most to the Al Nassr star.

Yet, Messi claims that he wouldn’t boast about playing in six World Cups until one realizes that he has played in just five, just like Ronaldo. Dots are further connected when it turns out that while Messi has expressed his doubts over his presence in the next edition of the WC, CR7 will give it a try. This explains the heat on the internet.

A subtle dig from Lionel Messi towards Cristiano Ronaldo sends the soccer fraternity into a frenzy!

While we hope that many of you understood what Lionel Messi actually meant, a few are still adamant on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting that the Argentinian icon has dragged Cristiano Ronaldo into the matter.

Everyone knows that both Messi and Ronaldo have nothing but respect for each other. Yet, according to this netizen, La Pulga might be on to something.

During the 2016 UEFA Euro final, poor Ronaldo was subbed off before the half-hour mark after sustaining a knock. To his luck, a solo match-winning strike saw Os Navegadores defeat France to lift the trophy. Even though a win is a win, this fan claims that it wasn’t CR7 who led his nation to this feat, unlike Messi!

Having won the Euro and Nations League with Portugal, the World Cup is the only major trophy missing from Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet. With the next edition set to take place in 2026, the former Real Madrid star is confident he can compete for the win—an assertion that doesn’t sit well with this netizen.

Reiterating Ronaldo’s desire to play in the next World Cup—which will be his sixth—Messi may have indirectly taken a dig at Cristiano, even if he didn’t intend to. But it looks like the damage is done.

According to Messi, as we quote, winning titles has never been his intention. But this guy has a theory, what if the playmaker actually does? Would it have made him invincible?

But with praise comes negative talk. Despite Messi confidently acknowledging that he doesn’t aim for records, this fan alleges that it is a rather sugarcoated claim from the Rosario hero.

And so many endless opinions that are further bound to make this debate endless. But we would like to know your opinion on this matter in the comments.