Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stand out as arguably the greatest players in the history of football – a fact beyond dispute.
Messi primarily built his illustrious career at Barcelona, with a brief two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain, eventually making a summer move to MLS side Inter Miami.
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On the other hand, Ronaldo’s journey started at Sporting before achieving global stardom at Manchester United. A decade at Real Madrid saw him frequently clash with Messi and Barcelona.
Following spells at Juventus and a return to United, Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr last year.
Both players have enjoyed immense success at the club level, boasting numerous league titles and Champions League victories, along with an impressive combined total of 13 Ballon d’Or awards.
For years, Ronaldo’s international triumphs with Portugal, including the Euro 2016 and UEFA Nations League victories, were a notable distinction.
However, this difference faded last winter when Messi and Argentina secured their third World Cup title by defeating France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Reflecting on this victory a year later, Messi acknowledges the shifting sentiments toward him in his home country.
While his adoration among Barcelona fans was unwavering, Argentine supporters had not always held the same affection for the 36-year-old.
Now, Messi expresses relief and joy in receiving overwhelming adoration from the majority of Argentinians, describing it as a ‘beautiful feeling.’
Speaking on the Champions, a Year Later special on Disney Star+ (via ESPN), Messi claimed: “I had a bad time. My family and the people who love me did too. They [critics in Argentina] were very unfair to a generation of players and they said a lot of bad things about me. I’m not spiteful.
“I feel it like a triumph for me to have changed that situation and won over all the people of Argentina. Today 95 per cent or 100 per cent of Argentines love me and that’s a beautiful feeling.
“I didn’t question why they [some Argentina fans] didn’t want me. I saw how they attacked me from many places. I was living in two opposite realities. In Barcelona, winning often and having full support, love and respect from everyone. In Argentina, it was a totally different situation with criticism everywhere.
“If you put in the effort, sacrifice, work, and humility, in the end, you achieve your goals. The road can be hard, but you have to keep fighting for your dreams to try to achieve them.
“I always loved playing football, coming to the national team, and being on the field but I never enjoyed it like today.”
