"I was below Messi, and above Ronaldo": Brazil World Cup winner reignites Messi vs Ronaldo debate with shocking self-assessment

The seemingly never-ending debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has taken yet another unexpected turn, this time with a football icon from another generation entering the fray. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup edging closer, Brazilian legend Romario has offered a bold ranking of where he believes he sits among the game's all-time greats.Not many players can talk from the point of view of a World Cup-winning legend and Romario certainly did not hold back. The 1994 World Cup winning former Brazil forward, known for his clinical finishing and memorable performances, has given his verdict which has already set tongues wagging across the footballing world.For years, football fans have been divided over whether Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the title of the greatest player of all time. Romario, however, believes the answer is clear.Speaking in an interview with Leodias TV, the Brazilian legend praised both superstars but argued that Messi's brilliance comes from a natural gift that separates him from everyone else. At the same time, he made the eye-catching claim that he rates himself above Ronaldo from a technical standpoint.Romario said:“Yes. I was below Messi, and above Cristiano.“Because Messi, in my opinion, is a guy who was born with that gift. It’s innate. Everything he has, he already had when he was born.”“Cristiano became one of the greatest in the world throughout his career. In other words, his professionalism made him who he is. But technically, for example, no, they can’t even be compared.”The remarks reflect a distinction often made in football circles between natural talent and relentless development. While Romario admires Ronaldo's dedication and longevity, he believes Messi's ability was visible from the very beginning.Romario's comments arrive at a fascinating moment. Both Messi and Ronaldo are preparing for what could be the final World Cup appearances of their legendary careers.The defending world champions from Argentina are back in the tournament with Messi once again expected to play a key role. Meanwhile, Portugal will try to ride on one of its most potent squads ever, with Ronaldo at the helm and Roberto Martinez at the helm.Ronaldo is in great shape but the question of his future just keeps coming up. Some analysts have even argued that Portugal might be better off without building their attack around the veteran forward. Those discussions will probably get louder if the team doesn’t meet expectations this summer.Regardless of where fans stand in the debate, Romario's comments have added another memorable voice to football's most enduring argument. With Messi and Ronaldo set to share the World Cup stage once more, the conversation about greatness is far from over.