During an interview in Torre de Moncorvo, Portugal, coach Santos weighed in on the long-standing debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He likened them to musical geniuses, stating, "Geniuses cannot be compared. Do you prefer Beethoven or Mozart? At that level, each has their own style." However, Santos concluded, "if you consider their achievements in terms of titles, Ronaldo has a slight edge."

Santos, 71, led Portugal from 2014 to 2022. He later coached in Poland, Besiktas, and Azerbaijan. Under his leadership, Ronaldo captained Portugal through its most successful period in history. This culminated in the Euro 2016 victory, where Portugal defeated France 1-0 in extra time in the final.

Ronaldo embraces coach Fernando Santos during the Euro 2016 final at Stade de France, France on 16/7/2016. Photo: Reuters

Three years later, Santos's squad secured the UEFA Nations League in 2019. Ronaldo and his teammates are also slated to win another Nations League title in 2025 under Roberto Martinez. Notably, all three of Portugal's major historical titles were won with Ronaldo as captain.

At club level, Ronaldo has won five Champions League titles and national championships in England, Spain, and Italy. He contributed significantly to these honors. Individually, Ronaldo has earned five Ballon d'Or awards, in 2018, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.

Messi, on the other hand, has four titles with Argentina: the 2022 World Cup, Copa America in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Intercontinental Supercup (Finalissima). At club level, he has secured four Champions League titles, though his role in the first in 2006 was limited. Messi has also won national championships in Spain, France, and the United States. His individual honors surpass Ronaldo's, with eight Ballon d'Or awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

Beyond the Messi-Ronaldo debate, Santos also shared his aspirations for Portugal to win the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He believes the national team possesses the capability to compete, acknowledging the fierce competition on football's biggest stage. "We must believe in our abilities. Portugal is among the contenders," he stated.

Recalling the Euro 2016 journey, Santos highlighted the importance of belief, but stressed that professional decisions were ultimately key. In the final against France, he substituted Eder into the match during extra time, and the striker scored the decisive goal. Santos confirmed this was a tactical calculation to help the team maintain possession better in the attacking third. "God helped me stay calm, but didn't decide the substitution," he quipped, joking that if faith determined everything, the Vatican would consistently be champions.

Santos also recounted a pivotal moment from 2003 when he managed Sporting Lisbon. In the opening match at Jose Alvalade stadium against Man Utd, Santos gave an 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo his debut. Ronaldo's impressive performance led Man Utd to sign him immediately. "I told Ronaldo then that with his talent and determination, he would become the world's best. A few years later, that prediction came true," Santos recalled.

By Hoang An (according to A Bola)