Piers Morgan claims Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time and ‘even Messi knows’

Piers Morgan claimed that ‘even Messi knows’ that Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest footballer in history after sharing a hilarious photo on Thursday night.

Ronaldo took part in Portugal’s World Cup opener with Ghana and made history by becoming the first ever player to score in five consecutive World Cup competitions.

As the 37-year-old celebrated with his trademark “SIU” celebration, he wandered in front of a banner featuring his Argentinian counterpart and Morgan took the opportunity to share the moment with a cleverly worded caption.

Piers Morgan (right) was quick to suggest ‘Messi knows’ Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time

Morgan wrote on his social media on Thursday, “Even Messi knows” with a goat emoji added at the end to represent the acronym; Best of all time.

Veteran striker Ronaldo scored from the spot just after the hour mark to break the stalemate against Ghana in their first group game on Thursday night.

It came in controversial fashion with some fans and pundits suggesting he went down easily after the challenge from Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu.

In doing so, he moved into a league of his own – ahead of Messi, Pele, Miroslav Klose and Uwe Seeler – and became the only player to score in five World Cups.

Morgan has long been a supporter of Ronaldo’s prowess on the pitch and even recently suggested his club Arsenal sign the Portuguese star – after he left Manchester United this week by mutual consent.

Sports mail revealed earlier this week that United have not paid any fees for the remaining seven months of his £500,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese star pulled out his signature ‘SIU’ celebration for the first time in months

The 37-year-old became the only player to ever score in five separate World Cup finals

The 37-year-old’s departure from the club stemmed from his stellar interview with TV star Morgan, where he criticized Manchester United’s structure, former and current managers and the club’s owners.

Ronaldo said: ‘I have no respect for him [ten Hag] because he shows no respect for me. Some people don’t want me here – not just the coach, but the other two or three guys. Not only this year, but also last year.’

He also urged fans to continue their protest against the Glazers’ property. Ronaldo said: ‘The fans are always right. I think the fans should know the truth – should the players now… we want the best for the club.

“I want the best from the club. This is why I come to Manchester United. That’s why I like this club.’

It was announced on Tuesday that he would be leaving the club with immediate effect in a blunt 67-word statement posted on the club’s website.

Portugal ran out 3-2 winners in their opening game, but it wasn’t some late drama that nearly saw them pushed back by the Black Stars.

Ronaldo gave his side the lead from the spot before Joao Felix and Rafael Leao both scored to take three points for Fernando Santos’ side.

Ghana’s Andre Ayew and Osman Bukari both cut the deficit to just one goal, but couldn’t find the equalizer – despite a moment of frenzy in the dying minutes.

Ronaldo hopes to increase his score when they face Uruguay in their next group stage meeting. Meanwhile, Ghana takes on South Korea.

Portugal will take on Uruguay in their next Group H meeting in Qatar on Monday