Brazilian football icon Ronaldo Nazario admits he would be a “hypocrite” if he claimed he would like to see Argentina win the World Cup despite his admiration for Lionel Messi.
Brazil were dumped out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage after suffering a penalty shootout defeat by Croatia in Friday’s clash. Hours later, they could only watch on as South American rivals Argentina progressed past Netherlands on penalties to book their spot in the last four.
Many fans across Brazil will be hopeful that Croatia make it to this tournament’s final by eliminating their bitter rivals Argentina in the process, denying La Albiceleste the chance of their first World Cup crown since 1986.
Much of the attention around Argentina is around their captain and star player Messi, who is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time in what is almost certain to be his final opportunity in a glittering career.
The superstar led Argentina to the Copa America title last year and winning the World Cup would complete his set of medals and cement his status as the best player of all time. He is on course to break multiple records at this World Cup, but none will feel relevant if Argentina miss out on the trophy.
Ronaldo – whose goals fired Brazil to the 2002 crown four years after they fell short in the final to hosts France, after he suffered a suspected seizure before the showpiece game – has spoken about his thoughts on Messi and Argentina winning the trophy.
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Ronaldo said: “I cannot answer for the whole of Brazil. I can only answer for me. And I am not that sure! Yeah, of course, I will be happy for him (Messi).
“But, you know, we have a great rivalry between Brazil and Argentina. But I will not be that much of a hypocrite to say I will be happy for Argentina because it’s not true. But, of course, I see football as a romantic. Of course, I will accept (an Argentine triumph) and I will enjoy any champion.”
Brazil have not won the World Cup since an inspired Ronaldo led them to the title two decades ago. They were tournament favourites to secure glory this year before falling agonisingly short against Croatia.
