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Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates third international title with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates third international title with Portugal

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine internationally after leading Portugal to the 2025 UEFA Nations League title, making them the winningest team in the tournament. After claiming his third trophy with the national team, many fans compare him to Lionel Messi and his titles with Argentina.

The Portuguese national team delivered a standout performance throughout the 2025 UEFA Nations League, knocking out major contenders like Denmark and Germany on their way to the title. Led by a resurgent Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal captured the championship in dominant fashion. The win marks Ronaldo’s third major trophy with the national team, sparking renewed comparisons to Lionel Messi and his decorated career with Argentina.

Since making his debut in 2003, Ronaldo has claimed three major titles with Portugal: two UEFA Nations League trophies and the UEFA Euro. Meanwhile, Messi edges ahead in international accolades, winning five titles with Argentina, highlighted by a FIFA World Cup, two Copa America championships, a UEFA Finalissima, and an Olympic gold medal from the 2008 Games.

Although both players made history with their national teams, critics targeted them for years. They failed to win major international titles early in their careers. However, Cristiano responded at age 31 by winning the 2016 UEFA Euro. On the other hand, Messi’s path was different. He won Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games when he was just 21. Yet many dismissed that tournament as lacking true international significance. Because of this, he did not silence his critics until 2021. At 34, he finally lifted the Copa America.

Both players achieved the most important goal: they dominated at the club level and excelled with their national teams. However, Cristiano still has one task left to complete. He needs to win a FIFA World Cup as that title would place him alongside Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi. These three legends are central to the GOAT debate. Each of them has at least one World Cup to their name. Therefore, the 2026 edition could be Cristiano’s greatest opportunity.