Cristiano Ronaldo Will Not Retire As Long As Lionel Messi Is Still Playing

At the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo shows no signs of hanging up his boots. In fact, the megastar is still the captain of the Portuguese national team.

Ronaldo captained Portugal in their match against Denmark. Unfortunately, Portugal had to concede to Denmark’s superiority in that match.

Many world soccer observers have advised Ronaldo to retire in order to preserve his reputation. However, it seems that Ronaldo continues to progress.

Former Chelsea and Netherlands player Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Ronaldo’s attitude is due to his rivalry with Argentine star Lionel Messi. Hasselbaink said Ronaldo would likely only decide to hang up his boots if his eternal rival, Lionel Messi, also decides to retire.

Hasselbaink believes that at the age of entering his forties Ronaldo is certainly not the same as before. Therefore, Ronaldo’s decision to continue playing is believed to have an impact on the career he has built.

“I think for the 2026 World Cup we don’t need Cristiano Ronaldo anymore. He has proven himself as the best player in the last decade,” Hasselbaink was quoted as saying on the Goal page.

More harm than good

“But his decision to continue to play will do him more harm than good. He has to think about finishing his career at some point,” Hasselbaink said.

“Sometimes it’s great to have a lot of confidence. But as players, there are times when we come and there are times when we have to go.”

“I think time and evidence is more than enough. He has to give other guys a chance to develop. The game is evolving and he can’t play at that level anymore,” Hasselbaink added.

“I predict that Ronaldo will only retire from football when Lionel Messi also retires,” Hasselbaink said.

Ronaldo has made 33 appearances in all competitions for Al Nassr this season, scoring 28 goals and providing four assists.