Does Cristiano Ronaldo need a World Cup to be considered one of the greatest soccer players ever?

A t 40-years-old, Cristiano Ronaldo 's legendary career is missing only one thing, and Lionel Messi already has it: a World Cup title with his beloved Portugal .

CR7 doesn't shy away from a challenge. Across two decades and 34 major trophies, the Portuguese superstar has defined an era of global football dominance. He's conquered England, ruled Spain, and silenced criticism in Italy - and he's still filling the net weekly in Saudi Arabia .

But the one prize remains painfully out of reach: the FIFA World Cup . He hasn't been able to reach the final game of the international tournament, and 2026 will be his last opportunity to do so. And according to experts, Portugal is not a favorite to lift the trophy next summer in North America.

Messi's World Cup shifted the conversation

For years, the Ronaldo vs. Messi debate split the football world evenly. Then came December 18, 2022 - Argentina 's own Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup in Qatar, and suddenly, millions declared the argument over, some even said that for good.

Ronaldo noticed that shift. But he doesn't agree that one tournament should carry that much weight. "To define what? If I'm one of the best in history? To win one competition - six games, seven games. You think it's fair?," he told Piers Morgan.

Still, the reality is harsh: for many fans, Messi has the one trophy Ronaldo doesn't. And there's a big chance that Cristiano is not going to be able to win the World Cup , which will push the debate and leave a pretty big mark in the Portuguese's resume.

International career still unmatched

Ronaldo isn't exactly lacking national team credentials: He's an All-time leading scorer in international soccer. He was crucial in helping Portugal get its first major trophy in men's history: the Euro 2016 champion. And then he did it again with the UEFA Nations League championship in 2019.

Cristiano has scored against 48 different nations. He has 132 goals in 214 caps (and counting). As a matter of fact, he's one win shy of the most international victories ever. Before Ronaldo arrived, Portugal was never a world power. After Cristiano ? A champion - twice.

And yet, for some, no World Cup = no GOAT. Ronaldo is one of the few who thrived everywhere: Premier League champion and global breakthrough at Manchester United. La Liga superstar and Champions League killer for Real Madrid. Serie A winner with Juventus . Now starring as the face of the Saudi Pro League

Greatness traveled with him - and the records followed. Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal into the 2026 World Cup , his sixth appearance on the biggest stage. There, he'll face his final shot at removing the only asterisk critics cling to. The truth? Ronaldo's status as one of history's greatest scorers and most accomplished winners is already secured. He doesn't need a World Cup to prove anything.

But winning one? It would be the ultimate mic drop - the last missing line on a résumé that already reads like football mythology. Bottom line: Ronaldo is already a legend. A World Cup would make him untouchable.