In the 1966 world cup that was won by England, I can remember Portugal reached the semi finals after ousting the pre-tournament favourites and the then defending champions Brazil in the quarter finals.Portugal, before CR7:
❌ Played in 3/17 World Cups
❌ Played in 3/11 European Championships
❌ 0 titles
Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo:
✅ Played in 6/6 World Cups
✅ Played in 6/6 European Championships
✅ European Championship winner 🏆
✅ Nations League winner 🏆
✅ Nations League winner 🏆
Portugal didn't exist before CR7.
At that time nobody knew that a player by the name Cristiano Ronaldo would one day be born in Portugal.
So your assertion is not true at all. Portugal was there before Ronaldo and it will even exist after Ronaldo has passed away and the same applies for Messi and his native Argentina.
We should stop the idol worshipping and instead cherish the beautiful game of soccer.