Did Cristiano Ronaldo snub Messi with 'Pele, Maradona' comment?

In the extraordinary document Ronaldo claimed the coach had agreed to read publicly, one of the key points stated that Jesus made a mistake by warming up “someone of the stature of Pelé or Maradona” and then leaving him on the bench.

Ronaldo insisted he should be treated accordingly, insisting his status deserved preferential treatment.

However, in highlighting Pele, and Maradona, Ronaldo omitted his great rival Lionel Messi, who many will agree is at the same level of greatness as the two legends, if not more so.

The post landed on the same night Messi played his final match for Argentina, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin.

The timing of the post begs the question of whether the exclusion was intentional, a final act of rivalry, or a reflection of lingering bitterness as the Portuguese star’s international career threatens to end in acrimony while his great rival exits on a wave of affection.

Messi leaves the international stage as a World Cup winner, two-time Copa América champion, and the man who finally delivered for a nation that had waited decades.

His ability to produce in the biggest moments, from the 2022 final to dragging Argentina to another final in 2026, places him in a different category.

While Ronaldo’s longevity and goalscoring records are extraordinary, Messi’s trophy haul on the absolute highest stage, combined with his consistent brilliance under pressure, has long settled the debate for most neutral fans and analysts.

Ronaldo’s demand to be spoken of in the same breath as Pele and Maradona is not wrong in itself, but. leaving Messi out of that conversation can only be viewed as intentional.

One thing is certain, this is a rivalry that is unlikely to end anytime soon, even after both stars hang up their boots.