Brazil's latest champion said that if Cristiano Ronaldo wins the World Cup, he will be "bigger than Lionel Messi and Maradona"

W e are almost seven months away from the start of the World Cup , which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Some teams have already secured their tickets, such as Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal , and speculation has been rife, not only among fans but also among the players and soccer legends themselves.

The World Cup that would 'define' the GOAT of soccer

The debate between the Inter Miami captain and the Al Nassr star has grown even more ahead of the FIFA tournament. On December 18, 2022, Messi and Argentina defeated Kylian Mbappé's France to become champions, winning the country's third World Cup and Leo's first.

Now, although Messi 's presence is not confirmed, his teammates will defend the title they won and fight for a second championship . Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to take the cup home for the first time in the history of his country and his career. Both players will make their sixth appearance in the tournament, the only two players to achieve this feat. (Mexico's goalkeeper, Guillermo 'Memo' Ochoa, could also join them in this record if he confirms his presence).

Given this situation, Marcos André Batista Santos, better known as Vampeta , gave his opinion on which of the two will be the undisputed GOAT of the sport and explained his reasons. In a video shared by X's @AUPFCRseven account, the former Brazil midfielder said:

" Apart from Pelé, if Cristiano wins the World Cup with Portugal, he becomes bigger than Messi and Maradona , he becomes more important. Do you know why? Because Argentina had already won a World Cup before Messi, Portugal doesn't have that, it would be their first World Cup ," said the 2002 Korea and Japan champion.

Vampeta's words come after Cristiano himself said in his interview with Piers Morgan that he considers himself better than Lionel Messi and that, although for him seven games do not define a soccer player, he would love to win the trophy.

Meanwhile, soccer fans now have their attention focused on the 2026 World Cup draw , which will determine the competition's groups. The ceremony will take place on Friday, December 5, in Washington.