Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he is desperate to ‘checkmate’ Lionel Messi at World Cup 2022 after incredible chess advert

CRISTIANO RONALDO has admitted he would love to beat Lionel Messi at the World Cup.

The two footballing legends appeared in an internet-breaking Louis Vuitton ad together playing chess.

While it was later revealed neither star was in the same room for the photo, Ronaldo's desire to beat his respected rival remains fierce.

Speaking ahead of Portugal's World Cup opener against Ghana, Ronaldo revealed he would love to "checkmate" Messi.

He said: "Being honest I would like to be the one to give a checkmate against him (Messi).

"Let's see. It would be beautiful.

"As it happened in the chess (photo) it would be magic for it to happen in football as well."

The two have competed for the title of "GOAT" for well over a decade.

Messi is currently leading the battle between the pair for the most Ballon d'Or awards with seven, while Ronaldo has five.

However, this has not dissuaded the 37-year-old from making dinner plans with Messi.

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During his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said: "He’s a guy that I really respect the way he always speak about me. 

“Even his wife or my wife, my girlfriend, they always respect and they're from Argentina. My girlfriend is from Argentina. So good.

“What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football.”

Asked if he would like to have dinner with the great Argentine, Ronaldo tells Piers "Why not, I like it."