A former Premier League star claims: "Cristiano Ronaldo goes to bed at night and thinks, 'I wish I were as good as Messi!'"

T he long-running debate over football's greatest player has been reignited after a former Chelsea star made a striking claim about Cristiano Ronaldo and his perceived rivalry with Lionel Messi .

Speaking on TNT Sports , former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole offered a candid and provocative perspective that has quickly captured attention across the football world.

In a revealing assessment, Joe Cole suggested that even someone as decorated as Cristiano Ronaldo may still measure himself against Lionel Messi in quieter moments.

"I think every footballer, no matter what you've won, must have some kind of level of regret. I think for Ronaldo, probably, his head hits the pillow in the night and he thinks, I wish I was as good as Messi! You know what I mean?"

The remarks reflect a broader belief that, despite Cristiano Ronaldo 's extraordinary list of honours, including multiple league titles, Champions League victories, and Ballon d'Or awards, Lionel Messi has reached a level of completeness that separates him from the rest.

"He's the only one who's cracked it. The rest of us, I think because, of course, the way you're built and you have to be built like that to be able to play at the top level."

For more than a decade, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi defined modern football, dominating individual awards and rewriting record books.

Their rivalry, most notably during their time in Spain with Real Madrid and Barcelona, elevated both players to unprecedented heights.

Messi's legacy seen as tipping the balance

According to Joe Cole , the debate may now be shifting decisively in favour of Lionel Messi , particularly following his ability to secure every major honour available in the sport.

"There's always the debate because it's always going to be about what you think. I think what [Messi] has put to bed, though, is the debate of this generation, because he's gone and completed it now, he's won everything in the game. I've never seen a player like him, what he can do with the ball, his ability, his personality - everything. And it's just a joy to watch him every time."

That viewpoint has gained traction since Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Cup, an achievement many consider the final piece of his already remarkable career.

Joe Cole went even further, placing Lionel Messi among the greatest players in football history, alongside iconic figures of the past.

"I think he's the greatest player of all time. Pele is the only one who can have an argument in that case. I don't think CR7 or R9 (Ronaldo Nazario) or (Diego) Maradona - I think he's gone above them. He stands next to Pele now."

Such a stance is certain to divide opinion, particularly among fans of Cristiano Ronaldo , whose relentless drive and goal-scoring consistency have defined his own legendary career.

Ultimately, while Joe Cole 's comments may lean strongly toward Lionel Messi , the enduring appeal of this debate lies in its subjectivity.

Both players have shaped an era of football that may never be replicated, ensuring that discussions over their greatness will continue long into the future.