"Cristiano Ronaldo is on the shelf with Messi, Maradona, Romário, Pelé..."

The loss to Spain likely marked Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance, concluding his career without the major trophy that eluded him. However, Romário believes this doesn't diminish the Portuguese star's 23 years of achievements in the slightest.

The former Brazilian World Cup winner expressed gratitude for everything the 41-year-old forward has done for football, placing him among the sport's all-time greats—a tier he also considers himself a part of.

"I have to take this opportunity to simply thank Cristiano Ronaldo for everything he's done. He wasn't born with the natural talent of a Messi, a Maradona, Neymar, or Ronaldinho Gaúcho, but he was a monster. What he's done for football, for those who love the game..." he began, speaking to Romário TV, alluding to Ronaldo's pursuit of a thousand goals.

"He's close to scoring a thousand goals, only 24 more to go. Unfortunately, he's another one of football's greats [without a World Cup], but his shelf belongs alongside Pelé, Messi, Maradona, Romário, Ronaldo "Fenômeno"—that whole damn lot!" he added.