Lionel Messi has offered a fresh perspective on his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in a recent interview, addressing the ongoing GOAT debate.
For more than 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football, amassing a combined total of 13 Ballon d’Or titles in one of the sport’s greatest rivalries.
They redefined excellence, setting new standards with their extraordinary goal-scoring records and historic achievements, pushing each other to even greater heights. ..Continue Reading
While Ronaldo once held an edge, Messi has now surpassed him by three Ballon d’Ors as both players near the twilight of their illustrious careers, continuing their journeys with Al Nassr and Inter Miami.
Despite their intense competition over the years, mutual respect has always existed between the two football icons. Messi has maintained that sentiment, acknowledging their legendary battles and the incredible era they shared.
Messi gives his take on rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo
After an interviewer for France Football asked if the battle between them is over, 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.
“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.”
While Ronaldo has consistently asserted his status as the greatest and most complete player in football history, he has also acknowledged that he and Messi have “always gotten along well” after years of a “healthy fight” to be the best.
Though both players remain active, the peak of their careers is behind them, and retirement seems inevitable in the near future.
However, the possibility of another showdown between them remains, as reports suggest Ronaldo has received a substantial offer from a Brazilian club—potentially paving the way for his participation in the Club World Cup.
Messi is set to feature in the revamped 32-team tournament in the United States, representing 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami, who share a group with Palmeiras. The Brazilian side is rumored to be considering a move for out-of-contract Ronaldo.
The last time Messi faced Ronaldo was during the Riyadh Season Cup in January 2023, when Paris Saint-Germain took on Al Nassr.
