As Portugal prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup, all eyes are on whether Ronaldo will lead the side in the tournament that spans the US, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Ronaldo, who is the all-time leader in appearances (226) and goals (143) for a men's national team, will make a record sixth World Cup appearances if he does make it on the flight.
He joins Messi this summer as the pair likely feature in their final World Cup together before hanging up their boots.
Does Ronaldo deserve to win the World Cup?
Speaking to CSB, Leboeuf revealed that he believes many will hope that Ronaldo goes on to find glory even if fans are still divided on the debate between him and Messi.
“We'll have to wait a little bit to see anyone like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, they have been exceptional. 20 years together fighting with the best and creating debates.
“France were happy to see Messi winning the World Cup. And secretly, you want to see Ronaldo winning the World Cup because he deserves it and winning the World Cup would be an absolutely fantastic achievement.
“But that's not how it works. We don't know. Without Emi Martinez stopping Kolo Muani in the last second of the game against France, Argentina would never have won the World Cup. So that's how it is. That's football.
“I just wish for Ronaldo to do his best and enjoy the World Cup. He has to accept the time when he's going to be on the bench, because I'm pretty sure he's not going to play all games, but he needs to support his teammates and make sure that they can achieve something fantastic for Portugal.
“We have to make sure that this World Cup is going to be a tribute to them (Messi and Ronaldo) because they've been fantastic.
“I always thought about the fact that football is a collective sport and not only about one person. So I'm going to try to keep that on track and fight until my last breath about that.
“So, congratulations to both of them. And I don't know if somebody else is going to emerge. It's going to be a strange World Cup because of so many teams, but some players could emerge, and let's see.”