Cristiano Ronaldo Reflects on Lionel Messi: ‘Together, We’ve Altered the Course of World Football History

The long-standing rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, which unfolded over many years, has undeniably been a source of sheer delight for football fans worldwide. As adversaries in the fierce El Clasico rivalry, with Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Real Madrid, these two football legends consistently delivered awe-inspiring performances.

When Messi and Ronaldo eventually retire, they will unquestionably be enshrined among the greatest players of all time, a well-deserved accolade. Throughout their careers, both players collected numerous Ballon d’Or awards, solidifying their status as icons of the sport.

In the realm of typical rivalries, there is often speculation that Messi and Ronaldo do not get along. However, beneath the surface, there exists an undeniable mutual respect, as exemplified by Cristiano Ronaldo in a recent interview (via Sport).

Ronaldo eloquently stated, “If you love Cristiano Ronaldo, you don’t have to hate Messi. We have both changed the history of world football.”

Ronaldo’s sentiment is undeniably accurate. Much of the rivalry narrative between the two transcendent talents has largely been fueled by their passionate supporters, particularly those of Barcelona and Real Madrid. The time has come for football enthusiasts to celebrate and savor the legacies of Messi and Ronaldo, especially as their illustrious careers are expected to draw to a close in the coming years.