Iceland's Arnason: Messi always better than sore loser Ronaldo

Kari Arnason has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo's sour branding of Iceland having "a small mentality" with little hope of achieving anything at Euro 2016.

The Portugal star was unhappy at the Icelandic backs-to-the-wall defending in Tuesday's shock 1-1 draw in Saint-Etienne, despite it marking the tiny nation's first match in a major international tournament.

Related: Sour Ronaldo slams jubilant Iceland

Ronaldo was also caught waving away a request to swap shirts from Iceland's heroic skipper Aron Gunnarsson.

"He's a fantastic footballer but he's not a gracious human being," said Malmo's Arnason, who continually frustrated Portugal's attack in Strakarnir okkar's backline. "The thing is we almost nicked the win so him saying we weren’t going for the win contradicts that. We got a draw and could have nicked it."

The 33-year-old continued:

"Obviously we're not going to create as much chances as a fantastic team like Portugal but his comments are the reason why Messi is always going to be one step ahead of him. You wouldn't expect Messi to say that. It shows we got under his skin. It was lovely to hear that."

Then, presumably using English learned in his spells with Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United, and Aberdeen, he dug into Portugal's darling:

"It makes it even sweeter when he's a sore loser like that. He can say whatever he wants. He didn't really get a chance. He got one and he couldn't put it away. What can I say? Sore loser. Tough shit. What does he expect - for us to play like Barcelona against him? He fannies about and dives around."

The victory over Ronaldo was particularly sweet for Arnason. The veteran was part of the Malmo side that was trounced 8-0 by Real Madrid in December, with the former Manchester United forward claiming four of the goals.

After sharing a point with Portugal, expectations have unsurprisingly lifted around the Icelandic camp. The team spirit is high, and Arnason cited a familiar shock story from the Premier League as an example of what could happen.

"Everyone loves an underdog story and Leicester is the ultimate underdog story, unless we go and win this tournament! Nobody knows what might happen. The work ethic in the team and the camaraderie and friendship within this squad is incredible and I can promise you no other team in this tournament has that." Arnason said.

Iceland returns to Group F action on Saturday in Marseille when it takes on Hungary. The Nemzeti Tizenegy also provided a shock in its first outing by overcoming Austria with a 2-0 scoreline.