Cristiano Ronaldo aims thinly-veiled dig at Lionel Messi after scoring 900th career goal

Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to aim a cheeky dig at Lionel Messi after scoring his 900th career goal, which he scored as Portugal edged past Croatia with a 2-1 win in the Nations League. Overcome with emotion, the 39-year-old striker shed tears after achieving the milestone on Thursday night.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Ronaldo highlighted that his achievements with Portugal, including a Euro 2016 title, were as valuable to him as a World Cup triumph. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was also asked about the prospect of potentially featuring at the 2026 World Cup.

"Portugal winning Euros is equivalent to winning a World Cup," said Ronaldo, unfazed by the possibility of retiring without a winners' medal. "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."

Some social media users have read between the lines of Ronaldo's statement, viewing it as a thinly-veiled jab at Messi, who topped off an illustrious career by winning the World Cup with Argentina last year, while bringing his career goal tally to 867. As quoted by the Mirror, with one fan writing: "Messi living rent free in his head."

Another speculated about Ronaldo's restlessness, adding: "I'm 100% sure he didn't sleep the night Messi won the World Cup." Meanwhile, a third supporter proclaimed: "Just confirmed why Messi is the greatest."

Ronaldo, upon achieving such a phenomenal career landmark, shared his thoughts. The Al-Nassr striker said: "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.

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"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."

Reflecting on future ambitions, Ronaldo recalled a conversation with Rio Ferdinand. The Manchester United legend said: "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."