Former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, has described the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the 'worst of all-time'.
The showpiece event came to its conclusion on Sunday afternoon in thrilling fashion as Argentina defeated France on penalties after a breathtaking 3-3 draw to win the trophy for the first time since 1986. The South American giants won 4-2 on spot kicks after a stunning hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe prevented them from winning the final in extra time.
Lionel Messi scored twice, meaning he played an instrumental role in helping his country end their long drought for football's biggest prize and ensured that he will retire with the knowledge that he won the famous trophy. For many football fanatics, his success in Qatar has moved him ahead of Ronaldo in the battle to be considered the greatest player of all-time.
READ MORE: United get huge Raphael Varane injury boost
Like Messi, Ronaldo went into the tournament in Qatar with the knowledge that this World Cup would be the last of his career. Portugal bowed out at the quarter-final stage, suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Morocco, leaving the former United man in tears.
Ronaldo will be 41 by the time the next World Cup arrives in 2026, meaning it is unlikely that he will still be playing, although he has not yet revealed any immediate plans to hang up his boots. And although Aveiro has not cited her brother's early exit from the tournament as the reason behind her opinion on the event in Qatar, she has insisted that the 2022 edition of the competition was the worst there has ever been.
Aveiro posted on her Instagram page: "The worst World Cup of all time... that thankfully gave us a great final. What a match. Congratulations to Argentina."
She did not, however, pass on a message of congratulations to Messi, who, of course, has been her brother's long-term rival. The duo are widely considered as the two greatest players to have ever played the game.
She did, however, congratulate Mbappe, who became just the second player in history to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final.
She added: "Kylian Mbappe. This boy is unreal. What a bright future awaits you. Incredible."
Ronaldo, meanwhile, remains on the hunt for a new club following his exit from United last month. The Reds made the decision to terminate his contract in the aftermath of his explosive interview with former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan.
READ NEXT:
