'Real Embarrassment' Ronaldo: "I Never Said Messi Is the Greatest (GOAT)" — Spanish Media Exposes 'Fake Interview'

*This content was translated by AI.

Brazilian football legend Ronaldo (50) has completely denied past reports claiming he recognized Lionel Messi (39) as the 'greatest of all time (GOAT)'.

Brazil's 'Globo' reported on the 23rd (Korea time) that "Ronaldo stated that his remarks about Messi, previously reported by a Spanish media outlet, were entirely fabricated fake news."

The controversy resurfaced recently during a conversation between Ronaldo and his former Brazil national team teammate Romario. When Romario bluntly asked, "What do you mean Messi is the greatest in history?" Ronaldo expressed his frustration.

Ronaldo said he was flustered upon seeing his alleged remarks spread on social media (SNS). He stated, "I also traced the source through media contacts to understand the situation," and claimed, "The Spanish Barcelona outlet 'Mundo Deportivo' arbitrarily inserted my quotes and spread a fake interview."

The media reported that "this fabricated interview spread globally even further as Messi surpassed Ronaldo's all-time World Cup scoring record during this year's North, Central America and Caribbean Cup."

According to the media, the fake article contained Ronaldo's false statement: "Now the world must stop ignoring the truth and accept that Messi is the greatest player of all time." Immediately after the controversy erupted, Ronaldo's spokesperson denied even having conducted an interview with the outlet, but the denial had little effect.

However, Ronaldo did not deny his respect for Messi. When Messi broke his World Cup scoring record, Ronaldo said, "If anyone deserves to surpass my record and become the greatest goal scorer in World Cup history, it is Messi, the player who fits that position most perfectly," and offered his congratulations.

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*This content was translated by AI.