Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has made a big admission about Lionel Messi ahead of Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final clash against Croatia on Tuesday night.
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The Albiceleste are preparing to go up against the losing 2018 finalists on Tuesday, when a victory would see them progress to the final of the tournament in Qatar.
For Messi, the World Cup trophy remains the only one to have evaded his clutches, after he and his compatriots went agonisingly close in 2014 before they were defeated in extra-time by Germany.
Ronaldo, who claimed two World Cup titles in his illustrious career, has admitted that while he would not be overjoyed if Argentina lifted the trophy, he would feel a sense of happiness for the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
"I cannot answer for the whole of Brazil. I can only answer for me. And I am not that sure! Yeah, of course, I will be happy for him (Messi)," he said, according to the Daily Mirror.
"But, you know, we have a great rivalry between Brazil and Argentina. But I will not be that much of a hypocrite to say I will be happy for Argentina because it's not true.
"But, of course, I see football as a romantic. Of course, I will accept (an Argentine triumph) and I will enjoy any champion."
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Messi has been in terrific form for Argentina in the Middle East, having contributed to six goals in five matches so far.
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