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Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann has claimed that Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could lift his first FIFA World Cup in 2026, matching his long-time rival Lionel Messi's tally.
Earlier this Wednesday (May 4), the 40-year-old starred in Portugal's 2-1 UEFA Nations League semi-final victory against Germany. He scored the vital goal after Florian Wirtz and Francisco Conceicao's respective goals.
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After the Nations League encounter at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Klinsmann lavished special praise on the Al-Nassr striker. The ex-Bayern Munich star said (h/t The Indian Express):
"This is simply exceptional. What he is producing as a 40-year old... it seems he is not getting old at all. He put himself in the service of the team, he came back, he helped out, he tried to connect to his team-mates. This is a real leader. And once he is in the box, he is still one of the best finishers in the game. He can make a difference anytime but it is his attitude that makes a huge difference."
Asserting Ronaldo could equal Messi's World Cup tally, he concluded:
"If he keeps his teammates positive, his work to the team, there is no doubt that he can still play on till the next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We saw Messi ready to cash in at a later stage of his career in Qatar. Maybe he can do it next year, this is an exceptional Portugal team."
So far, Ronaldo has bagged 137 goals in 220 appearances for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo turns down chance to play against Lionel Messi in FIFA Club World Cup
With his Al-Nassr contract set to run out later in June, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly keen to join a new club ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
At a press conference, Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt revealed that he recently contacted the striker's agent over a potential move. He said (h/t Manchester Evening News):
"I have a relationship with Jorge Mendes. Not a very close one but, if I call him, he answers. I asked him if there was any chance of Cristiano playing in the Club World Cup. He was very clear in telling me that he's not interested in playing in Brazil for now."
Should Ronaldo opt to change his stance and join Fluminense, he would be able to play for the Group F team in the Club World Cup. On the other hand, Messi is set to feature for Inter Miami in the Group A.
