Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that his long-term rivalry with Argentinian maestro Lionel Messi has come to an end.
Speaking in a press briefing on Thursday, the Real Madrid legend stated that though the media loved the rivalry between Messi and him, they both have mirrored respect for each other as professional colleagues.
The five-time Ballon d’or winner, stating his admiration for Messi, stated that Messi “has done very well from what I (Ronaldo) have seen.”
Urging his fans to stop the hate and unnecessary verbal attacks on Messi, the Al-Nassr talisman stated that “whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi, and vice versa.” He noted that “they’re both very good” and “they changed the history of football.”
He said, “The rivalry is over. It was a good rivalry that the speculators liked a lot.
“Whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi or vice versa because they’re both very good. They changed the history of football, and they keep doing it.
“We’re respected throughout the world, and that’s the most important thing.
“He makes his ways, and I make mine.
“Even if we’re playing outside Europe, he has done well from what I’ve seen, and so have I.
“It’s about continuing the legacy.
“The rivalry—I don’t see things like that. I’ve already said we’ve shared the stage for 15 years and have ended up being—I wouldn’t say friends because I never dined with him, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other.”
Both Ronaldo and Messi, who are regarded as the greatest football players of all time, are set to represent their countries in international duties.
While the former Manchester United hero missed out on the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist, Messi tops the list along with Erling Haaland of Manchester City as favourites to win football’s most prestigious individual award.
