Cristiano Ronaldo is predicted to retire “when Lionel Messi stops”, and is accused of overshadowing his own legacy.

Despite maintaining an impressive scoring performance at Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has turned 40 and is showing signs of age. The Portuguese superstar is still in the national team, with the goal of continuing to conquer the Nations League with his home team.

In addition, CR7 is also expected to play until the 2026 World Cup, when he has set an ambition to reach the 1,000-goal mark in his career before considering retirement. However, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes that Ronaldo is no longer at his peak and should stop when his great rival Lionel Messi hangs up his boots.

Speaking to Gambling Zone, Hasselbaink shared: “Football does not need Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo is already one of the best players in history, but I think now continuing to play for Portugal is negatively affecting his legacy.”

“If you ask me to choose Messi or Ronaldo, I will always choose Ronaldo because of what he has done to reach that level and maintain it. But as a player, I know that there is a time when you come and a time when you have to go. I think Ronaldo’s time has come a long time ago, and he should give it to someone else.”

“In some games, the team needs to press or do different tactical things, and I don’t think Ronaldo can do that anymore. There’s no shame in that. Playing at 40 is an achievement.”

“There will come a time when you have to hang up your boots, and I think that time will be when Messi retires. When Messi stops, Ronaldo will do the same.”

Ronaldo has now played 218 times for Portugal, scoring 135 goals. He still maintains absolute faith in his ability and always sets the highest standards, believing that there is no reason to stop when he can still contribute to both his club and the national team.