My rivalry with Messi over, says Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese forward, has called an end to his rivalry with Lionel Messi, the Argentine forward.
The Al Nassr forward stated the "rivalry is over" during a press conference on Wednesday before training with the national team in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon, ahead of the next European Championship qualifiers.
Both Messi and Ronaldo remained at the top of the football food chain for 15 years, beginning with Ronaldo's first Ballon d'Or in 2008 and Messi's first in 2009.
Apart from the Portuguese and Argentines, only two other players have won the most coveted individual trophy in football since then: Luka Modric in 2018 and Karim Benzema in 2022.
"I don't see things like that; the rivalry is over," he remarked. It was a good competition that the audience enjoyed.
"Anyone who likes Cristiano Ronaldo does not have to despise Lionel Messi, and vice versa, because they are both very good." We've done well; we've changed football history, and we'll keep doing so. The most essential thing is that we are respected all across the world.
"He makes his way; I make mine, even when we play outside of Europe." From what I've observed, he and I have done well. It's about carrying on; the legacy lives on.
"I've stated that there is no rivalry. We've been on stage together for 15 years, and we've become — I wouldn't say friends — because I've never dined with him. We are professional colleagues who appreciate one another."
