Legendary forward Ronaldo led Brazil to their most recent World Cup triumph 20 years ago, scoring eight goals as Luiz Felipe Scolari's team sealed the country's fifth title in Japan and South Korea.
No Brazilian has ever bettered Ronaldo's tally at a single edition of the tournament, while his total return of 15 World Cup goals has only been beaten by Germany's Miroslav Klose (16).
While Ronaldo believes his exploits put him in the pantheon of footballing greats, he told the Guardian it was difficult to compare his abilities to those of players from different generations.
Asked to choose between seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi and another Argentina icon in Maradona, Ronaldo said: "That's unfair!
"I think there is a very, very special group where you have Diego, Messi, [Johan] Cruyff, [Franz] Beckenbauer, Pele, [Marco] Van Basten, Ronaldinho. I would include myself.
"Let the fans say, let them debate it in the bars. But you can't rank them, can't compare generations.
"People call me the 'original' Ronaldo but there were others – and they weren't false.
"I'm not the only one, and more will come along and be better than me in everything. I did what I could, the best I could."
Brazil's hopes of repeating their 2002 World Cup win will depend largely on the form of Neymar, who has been involved in 42 per cent of the Selecao's World Cup goals since making his tournament debut in 2014 (8/19 – six goals, two assists).
Ronaldo compared the abilities of the Paris Saint-Germain forward to those of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting no football fan could fail to enjoy watching him play.
"People love him a lot," Ronaldo added of Neymar. "If we talk specifically about football, I doubt there's anyone who doesn't love him. His private life transcends football, but I'm not interested.
"He's daring, has skill, variety, is quick, scores goals, has personality. You could compare him to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, even though they are from a different planet.
"On the pitch Neymar is one [thing], then people mix in all the other stuff."
The French publication presented its all-time dream team on Monday, with Juventus superstar Ronaldo named alongside Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona – who died last month.
Brazil great Ronaldo, former Milan captain Paolo Maldini, Xavi, Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthaus, Cafu and goalkeeper Lev Yashin completed the XI.
Reacting to his inclusion, five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo tweeted: "I'm very honoured to be part of France Football's All Time 11."
"What an amazing Dream Team... They all deserve my respect and admiration and I'm obviously proud to be amongst such extraordinary players. Thank you!"
Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid's record goalscorer – has won five Champions League titles, three Premier League trophies, Euro 2016 glory, two Serie A crowns and as many LaLiga triumphs to go with numerous other silverware.
Ronaldo celebrated his 100th Juventus appearance with a brace in Sunday's 3-1 Serie A win over Genoa.
Not only was Ronaldo making his 100th Juve appearance, he also became the first player to reach 400 wins across Europe's top five leagues this century.
Additionally, Ronaldo – who has netted 77 times since joining Juve in 2018 – reached 31 goals for the calendar year, making him the third Bianconeri player to reach this milestone in the top flight, and the first since Omar Sivori in 1961.
Serie A holders Juve face Atalanta on Wednesday, with the 35-year-old Ronaldo looking to add to his 10 league goals this term.
Three-time World Cup winner Pele, regarded among the greatest players of all time, is receiving medical care at home in Brazil.
The 82-year-old underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his colon last year, and has been in and out of hospital since.
His daughter, Kely Nascimento, has said there is "no surprise or emergency" over her father's hospitalisation after he was admitted this week.
Particularly coming at a time when a World Cup is taking place and he is not present, the news of Pele needing hospital attention has caused concern for many.
Tite read out a statement before taking questions at Brazil's press conference, saying: "We all wish a lot of health to Pele.
"We found out the news from the press. He’s the biggest representative of the national team and we wish him much health. That is the feeling of all the squad, we wish Pele the very best."
Pele's daughter said in her statement on Wednesday that "the media is freaking out again", adding that she planned to visit her father in the new year, with her brothers visiting at present.
As Brazil got their tournament under way last week, Pele sent the squad a message of good luck. He was a World Cup winner in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
He wrote on Instagram: "Today we start writing a new story. No matter the size and tradition of the opponents: we must respect and play each match with the focus of a final.
"It is important to play beautifully, yes, but it is also essential to leave everything on the pitch.
"Today, we will be more than 200 million hearts beating as one, vibrating with each achievement of our Selecao.
"I am sending all positive energies to you. I'm sure we'll have a happy ending. God bless you. Bring this trophy home!"
Brazil have begun their campaign with a 2-0 win over Serbia and a 1-0 success against Switzerland, rounding off their Group G campaign against Cameroon on Friday.
