GOAT debate is over: Messi settles Cristiano Ronaldo battle with stunning FIFA World Cup win to complete football

It was Messi who silenced Ronaldo fans with a spectacular title run, defeating France in a dramatic final on Sunday night at Lusail Stadium.
The GOAT debate ultimately came down to who won more international trophies. And Cristiano Ronaldo went ahead in the race when he led Portugal to Euro Cup victory in 2016 and the Nations League title in 2019. Lionel Messi made a comeback in 2021 with a Copa America win. The title of the FIFA World Cup was then determined. Bar to settle a long standing fight. And it was Messi who silenced Ronaldo fans with a spectacular title run, defeating France in Sunday night’s dramatic final at Lusail Stadium.

Messi scored twice for Argentina as they played out a 3-3 draw in 120 minutes, with Kylian Mbappe’s stunning hat-trick keeping France alive in the competition. Messi then converted from the spot to put Argentina ahead in the penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez then made a save before Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive goal to give Argentina a 4–2 victory in the tie-breaker.
Moments after the big final, ‘Ronaldo‘ trended on social media and fans claimed Messi ended the debate with Argentina‘s first World Cup win in 36 years because he “completed football“. His illustrious resume now includes – 10 La Liga trophies, seven each of the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, four Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup, one Ligue 1 title, the Copa America trophy and not more Not to forget, his seven Ballon d’Ors.
Talking about Ronaldo, it was a forgettable World Cup campaign in Qatar for the Portugal captain. He started on a high after becoming the first man to score in five different World Cup editions, but his struggles backfired as he later started from the bench in Portugal’s two key matches – the round of 16 against Switzerland and Moroccan tie. Portugal eventually made a quarter-final exit after losing 0–1 to Morocco.