The Phenomenon: It's Time to Stop Hiding and Admit Messi is the Greatest of All Time

Two-time World Cup winner with Brazil, Ronaldo, has declared Argentine forward and national team captain Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer in history.

“Every time Messi steps onto the pitch, it becomes a historic occasion. It’s time we stopped hiding and acknowledged the fact that he is the greatest player of all time. Leo continues to deliver outstanding performances every season and at the World Cup, yet doubts still linger. Last night was another unforgettable and historic night that will forever be etched in the annals of football,” Ronaldo was quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Messi scored a hat-trick in the opening World Cup match against Algeria (3-0), bringing his World Cup goal tally to 16. This achievement puts him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the sole record as the tournament's all-time leading scorer, and surpasses Ronaldo, who has 15 goals to his name.