Lionel Messi finally speaks out on iconic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has also publicly expressed respect for Messi multiple times


The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is famous globally and will likely go down as one of the most legendary rivalries in the history of football.

This rivalry sparked strong opinions among fans, dividing them into two groups.

While, fans and expert often debated who was better, the players themselves always remained respectful towards each other throughout their careers.

Messi and Ronaldo undoubtedly are two of the best football players of their generation.

What did Messi say?

In a recent interview, Messi expressed sincere admiration for his longtime rival.

Messi said, “It’s always been a great battle in sporting terms. I think we’ve fed off each other with this rivalry because we’re both great competitors. He too always wanted to win all the time."

The eight-time Ballon'dOr winner further shared, “It was a golden era for us and for every football fan. We deserve a lot of credit for staying at the top for so long. Because, as they say, it’s easy to get there but what’s difficult is staying there."

“We stayed at the top for ten, fifteen years. It was a spectacular and remains a great memory for everyone,” the 37-year-old added.

Ronaldo shuts down rivalry rumours with Messi:

On the other hand, Ronaldo has also publicly expressed respect for Messi multiple times.

In a part of an exclusive interview with journalist Edu Aguirre for El Chiringuito, Ronaldo made it clear that, contrary to what some fans may think, he has a good relationship with Messi.

“I’ve never had a bad relationship with him; if anything, it’s the opposite,” Ronaldo revealed.

Read more : Sports
Emma Raducanu makes first statement on stalker incident before Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu makes first statement on stalker incident before Wimbledon
A stalker had followed Emma Raducanu to four tournaments in a row
Angel Reese earns WNBA praise for her bold fashion and standout skills
Angel Reese earns WNBA praise for her bold fashion and standout skills
Angel Reese recently became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds in her career
Celtic legend John Clark dies at 84 after six decades of dedication
Celtic legend John Clark dies at 84 after six decades of dedication
John Clark played more than 300 games for Celtic and won many major trophies including four league championships
Lionel Messi set to break Ronaldo’s record as Inter Miami chase Club World Cup glory
Lionel Messi set to break Ronaldo’s record as Inter Miami chase Club World Cup glory
Lionel Messi scored a wonderful free-kick against Porto in their latest World Cup match
Ronaldo fan Murilo Cerqueira warns Messi ahead of Club World Cup clash
Ronaldo fan Murilo Cerqueira warns Messi ahead of Club World Cup clash
Palmeiras defender confesses he is ‘team Ronaldo’ before facing Lionel Messi in FIFA Club World Cup
LeBron James pays homage to Laker's legacy with limited edition watch
LeBron James pays homage to Laker's legacy with limited edition watch
The NBA legend LeBron James has dropped limited edition watch in collaboration with Richard Mille
NBA Finals: Oklahoma City wins first title in thrilling Game 7
NBA Finals: Oklahoma City wins first title in thrilling Game 7
Oklahoma City ends 46-year drought, defeats Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 to claim debut NBA title
Tom Brady wins big in Fanatics Games, announces major surprise for fans
Tom Brady wins big in Fanatics Games, announces major surprise for fans
NFL superstar Tom Brady has won a $1 million prize at the inaugural Fanatics Games
Alcaraz stops Queen's trophy photoshoot mid-ceremony for surprising reason
Alcaraz stops Queen's trophy photoshoot mid-ceremony for surprising reason
Carlos Alcaraz won Queen’s trophy on grass courts of London ahead of the Wimbledon Championships
Tom Brady heaps praise on LeBron James at Fanatics Fest
Tom Brady heaps praise on LeBron James at Fanatics Fest
Tom Brady and LeBron James engaged in a meaningful conversation at the largest arena for sports fans
Jon Jones announces retirement, clearing way for Tom Aspinall
Jon Jones announces retirement, clearing way for Tom Aspinall
American mixed martial artist Jon Jones left the UFC heavyweight title unoccupied upon his retirement
Max Verstappen on F1 circuit 'far too dangerous' to return to calendar
Max Verstappen on F1 circuit 'far too dangerous' to return to calendar
The German circuit was closed in 1976 due to safety concerns and near-death accident involving Niki Lauda