The Portuguese superstar had a tournament to forget (Picture: Getty)

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus believes Cristiano Ronaldo has tainted his legacy at the World Cup and was a ‘big failure’ in Qatar – unlike long-time rival Lionel Messi.

While the Argentine lifted the trophy and picked up the Golden Ball gong for the tournament’s best player, Ronaldo and Portugal exited at the quarter-final stage after a difficult and drama-filled few weeks.

On the eve of the tournament, the 37-year-old gave an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he hit out at Manchester United and claimed he would ‘never respect’ manager Erik ten Hag.

That resulted in his contract with the Red Devils being terminated and overshadowed Portugal’s campaign, while there was further commotion during the tournament itself.

Manager Fernando Santos – who has since been axed – took umbrage with Ronaldo over the way he reacted to being subbed off against South Korea and he was dropped for the last-16 win over Switzerland, with Goncalo Ramos bagging a hat-trick in his place.

Matthaus, who was the record appearance holder at World Cups until being usurped by Messi, has not enjoyed Ronaldo’s histrionics and feels he has damaged his reputation, particularly compared to his Argentine rival.

‘With his ego trips, Ronaldo has damaged the team and himself,’ Matthaus told Bild.

Messi and Ronaldo had very different World Cups (Picture: Getty)

‘There is no doubt that he was a great player and an absolutely lethal finisher. But now he has damaged his legacy.

‘I find it hard to think that he can find a place in a team. I kind of feel sorry for Ronaldo.

‘Ronaldo is of course a big failure of the World Cup, the opposite of Messi. [Messi is] the absolute winner.

‘He deserves it because he has given me and all football fans great joy with his qualities and the way he plays over 17-18 years. For me, Messi is the player of the millennium.’

Ronaldo is currently without a club after leaving Manchester United but has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been offered a contract worth £432million over two-and-a-half years – which would make him the highest paid athlete in history – though he is still thought to be keen to remain in Europe and feels he can play for a Champions League-calibre club.

MORE : Al-Nassr play down £432m Cristiano Ronaldo contract offer reports

MORE : Erik ten Hag tells Cody Gakpo he is ‘perfect replacement’ for Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.