The former Brazil striker says that Lionel Messi can lift the World Cup, but his reputation does not rest upon it.
“He can win [the World Cup]. He has not retired yet, has he? And he is only 26," Ronaldo told the Times of India.
“Moreover, in the history of football, there are players who did not win the World Cup but are considered as great as any other footballer.
“If you win the World Cup, it gives your status a boost. However, if you cannot, you can still be among the all-time best.
“I saw [Messi] in Barcelona in his early years there and spoke about him with Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho was full of praise for the boy and when we saw him, we knew why Ronaldinho was so appreciative.
“Messi is really a different class. To win four consecutive Ballons d"Or is a great achievement."
