Cristiano Ronaldo's pointed message to Lionel Messi speaks volumes after 900th goal

Soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo sent a pointed message in the direction of long-time rival Lionel Messi after notching his 900th career goal, boldly stating that his Euro 2016 triumph is equivalent to winning a World Cup.

The momentous goal came during Portugal's Nations League victory over Croatia, with Ronaldo visibly emotional during the celebration . Post-match, the star forward weighed in on his chances at the 2026 World Cup, indicating that a lack of a World Cup win - achieved by Messi with Argentina in 2022 - wouldn't dampen his illustrious career.

He's already celebrated European glory with Portugal, which he believes stands on par with the World Cup.

"Portugal winning Euros is equivalent to winning a World Cup," Ronaldo declared confidently. "I've already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted. I'm not motivated by that. I'm motivated by enjoying football and the records come naturally."

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Fans were quick to speculate that Ronaldo's remarks served as a subtle message to Messi, who boasts 867 career goals and clinched the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar. Social media users chimed in on what they interpreted as Ronaldos veiled commentary.

One said: "Messi living rent free in his head," while another suggested: "I'm 100% sure he didn't sleep the night Messi won the World Cup", Another fan went further, asserting: "Just confirmed why Messi is the greatest".

Reflecting on reaching a significant career milestone, Ronaldo shared his feelings: "Only me, and the people around me know how difficult it is to work daily to be physically and psychologically well and reach goal 900. It's a unique milestone in my career and it was with a lot of emotion I celebrated that goal.

"It represents a lot. It was the number I wanted to achieve for a long time and I knew I would achieve it because, as I continue to play, it would happen naturally. I already won two trophies for Portugal, something I really wanted. Whatever comes next is spectacular."

Previously, Ronaldo revealed his ambition toward further record-breaking goals. Chatting with his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, he stated: "Soon I will do 900 and after that it will be 1,000."

"If I don't have injuries, that is most important, I want that. My challenge is to reach 1,000 goals, with one difference all the goals that I score will have video. So I can prove that."