Former Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo does not believe that lifting the World Cup will define his or Lionel Messi's legacy after Argentina overcame France in the showpiece event on Sunday.
The South American side won on penalties after a thrilling encounter in Qatar, with the game finishing 3-3 after extra-time. Messi scored twice in the match, while also converting his spot-kick in the shootout. However, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar was pipped to the Golden Boot by club teammate Kylian Mbappe - whose hat-trick on Sunday was the first in a final since Geoff Hurst in 1966.
With Messi having now won the trophy he was craving, many believe that it reinforces his position as the greatest footballer of all time. The tournament in Qatar is expected to be the 35-year-old's last World Cup, with Ronaldo - whose Portugal side exited the competition at the quarter-finals stage - also unlikely to feature in the 2026 edition.
ALSO READ: Marcus Rashford hits back at £400k per-week contract reports
Ronaldo, who departed United last month following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan, left the pitch in tears after Portugal lost to Morocco. The veteran frontman will be aged 41 by the time of the next World Cup.
Prior to the European outfit's elimination from the competition, the 37-year-old had dismissed suggestions that his - or anyone else's - legacy would be impacted by whether or not they had won the World Cup in their career.
"Even if I win the World Cup that will continue. Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes," said Ronaldo.
"I have always had to show what I can do year after year. I would love to win this tournament. I’m ambitious but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments I would still be happy given all I have won. In the history books all other records will be there. But obviously a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream."
Having recently left the Reds, Ronaldo is now a free agent. Saudi outfit Al Nassr have been installed as the leading contenders to secure his signature, with multiple reports suggesting that they have offered him a contract worth €200million (£173m) per season.
READ NEXT:
