“Cristiano Ronaldo is a phenomenon. He’s better than Messi” - Ex-Argentina star on who is best suited to shine at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Former Argentina goalkeeper Hugo Gatti believes Cristiano Ronaldo will be more suited to shine at the 2026 FIFA World Cup than Lionel Messi. He heaped praised on the Portuguese superstar's fitness and also his ability to adapt to different leagues.

Both superstars have featured in five editions of the FIFA World Cup, with the Argentine winning the trophy in 2022 with Argentina. However, they are in the limelight of their respective careers. Hence, there is speculation about whether they will feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada.

In a recent interview, Hugo Gatti was asked which of the two could perform better at the 2026 World Cup. When the interviewer spoke about how the Inter Miami star is in great condition at 37, Gatti said (via La Nacion):

"[Interrupts]… But Cristiano is better than him, eh? Cristiano looks like a 20-year-old kid, physically."

When asked if the Argentine can feature in the next World Cup, Gatti said:

"He can get there, but he will be one less. Today he is already one less. He is playing country football in the United States."

The interviewer then pointed out that Cristiano Ronaldo plays in Saudi Arabia, to which Gatti replied:

"Yes, but it's tougher to play there. Everyone plays there. They chase you, they kill you. Cristiano is a phenomenon. He's better than Messi. And he's limited because he doesn't have Messi's conditions, but he played in the best teams in the world. Where did Messi play? At Barça and in the Argentine national team. Messi didn't push himself to play in other teams, in other countries. And he had opportunities, eh?"

Cristiano Ronaldo has notably played in Liga Portugal, Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, and currently plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League.

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Jurgen Klinsmann shares his thoughts on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo potentially playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Former Bayern Munich striker Jurgen Klinsmann recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of both superstars playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He hailed their contribution to the sport for over 15 years and predicted they would feature at the tournament in two years.

“Both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo gave us a lot of joy over the last 15 years, a lot of excitement, and they still do," Klinsmann said. "I hope they will be at the 2026 World Cup. I still think we’ll have them both there.”

The 1990 World Cup winner also opened up about the new format, saying:

“I think the World Cup coming up in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will be incredible. It will be the first with 48 teams, and there is a lot of excitement to come in the next few years.”

While Argentina will look to defend their trophy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Portugal will aim to win their maiden trophy.