CRISTIANO RONALDO has succeeded where Lionel Messi failed — he has won a major trophy at international level.

The two greatest players of their generation were an honour with their countries away from being arguably end the debate for good.

Well, Ronaldo now has that.

Portugal beat France through Eder's goal on 108 minutes to win the first trophy ever.

They had been World Cup semi-finalists on two occasions and were runners up at Euro 2004.

But, now, finally, in their 13th international tournament, they have gone the distance.

Messi's Argentina, meanwhile, have a rich footballing history.

They have twice won the World Cup — in 1978 and 1986 — and have been Copa America champions on 14 occasions.

However, they have won nothing since 1993.

And, with Messi in the team, Argentina have finished runners up at four of the last five South American battles — as well as at the 2014 World Cup.

After penalty shoot-out heartbreak at this year's Copa America Centenario, the Barcelona forward announced his international retirement — with no honours.

Ronaldo has now played in seven major tournaments and has finally won one.

He can add a European Championships gong to the Champions League medal he won with Real Madrid earlier this season.

Despite going off after 25 minutes of the final with a knee injury, Ronaldo has done it.

He has struck gold with Portugal.