Cristiano Ronaldo Finally Ends Long-Standing Rivalry With Lionel Messi

Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo has officially put an end to his long-standing rivalry with Argentine playmaker Lionel Messi. 

Speaking at a press conference in Oeiras, just outside of Lisbon, before training with the national team for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers, Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr, stated that the “rivalry is over.”

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the world of football for the past 15 years, beginning with Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or win in 2008 and Messi’s inaugural win in 2009. 

Aside from the duo, only Luka Modric in 2018 and Karim Benzema in 2022 have managed to claim the prestigious individual award.

Ronaldo said, “I don’t see it as a rivalry anymore. It was a healthy competition, much to the delight of fans globally. Liking Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t mean one has to dislike Messi, or vice versa. We’ve both been excellent; we’ve changed the course of football history and intend to continue doing so. We’re globally respected; that’s the crucial thing.”

He continued, “We’ve been on the same stage for 15 years, and though we’re not friends—I’ve never dined with him—we are professional colleagues with mutual respect.”

FAQs

Q: Is the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry officially over?

Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly stated that their long-standing rivalry has come to an end.

Q: How long did the rivalry last?

The rivalry spanned approximately 15 years, beginning with Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or win in 2008.

Q: Have Messi and Ronaldo won any awards besides the Ballon d’Or during their rivalry?

Both players have amassed numerous individual and team awards throughout their careers, solidifying their statuses as two of the greatest footballers of all time.

Q: Are Messi and Ronaldo friends off the pitch?

While Ronaldo has stated that they are not friends, he emphasised that they are professional colleagues with mutual respect for one another.