“We don’t have Messi” – When Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary ex-Portugal teammate defined why they didn’t win World Cup

Portugal legend and Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammate Deco believes that his nation could not win the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a result of lack of a participant just like the legendary Lionel Messi.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped his nation safe World Cup success in Qatar final yr, bagging seven targets and three assists in seven video games, successful the Golden Ball within the course of. In the meantime, his arch-rival and Al-Nassr striker, Ronaldo, did not influence his group’s performances just like the Barcelona icon.

The 38-year-old attacker managed only one objective in 5 video games. Seemingly admitting that the previous Barcelona man’s affect was higher than Ronaldo’s, having shared the pitch 57 occasions with the latter, Deco stated (through AlbicelesteTalk) earlier this yr:

“Argentina won the World Cup because they have Messi. For us, Portugal had the best generation of good players, but we don’t have Messi.”

The Portuguese World Cup aspect was made up of among the finest European expertise. It comprised Premier League superstars Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Dias, together with Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo.

Regardless of a gifted squad, the 2016 European champions have been dealt a quarterfinal exit by Morocco. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the sport’s solely objective within the forty second minute.

In the meantime, Messi scored twice in an exhilarating remaining in opposition to France that noticed Argentina win 4-2 on penalties after a pulsating 3-3 draw.

Jamie Carragher locations Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo when requested to make a decide for the GOAT debate. The ex-defender admitted that Ronaldo is the most effective goalscorer however picked the Argentine sensation for his all-round skills.

The Barcelona icon is a World Cup, three-time UEFA Champions League and 10-time La Liga winner. When requested to decide on between the 2, Carragher informed CBS Sports activities (through Mirror):

“It was never a debate. Cristiano Ronaldo’s nowhere near. Ronaldo is one of the greatest goalscorers of all time, Messi is the greatest player of all time. It’s not even close.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored an unbelievable 733 targets in his membership profession and is a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. He has laid his arms on the Premier League thrice and the UEFA Champions League 5 occasions, amongst different accolades. In the meantime, Messi has netted 721 occasions in membership soccer.