Ronaldo said that the competition with Messi motivated both players
Ronaldo said that despite years of rivalry with Messi, they got along well
Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo said that the confrontation and competition with Argentine forward Lionel Messi motivated both players.
Messi and I have shared the same stage at awards ceremonies for 15 years and have always gotten along very well. I used to translate what he said in English. Our competition was as healthy as the competition [of Formula 1 drivers] Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. We were constantly motivating each other, Ronaldo told CNN Portugal.
Messi finished his career with Argentina on October 7. For 21 years in the national team Messi held 208 matches, scored 126 goals. During this time, he won the 2022 World Cup and the 2008 Olympics, and twice won the Copa America (2021, 2024).
Ronaldo was one of the first to respond to Messi's farewell letter after his last match for the national team, writing in comments: "Leo, you fought for your country for so many years and a history that will live forever." All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. Embracing.
Ronaldo has been playing for Nasr in Saudi Arabia since 2023. The Portuguese is a five-time winner of the Golden Ball, the best scorer in the history of football, national teams, the European Championship, the Champions League, the club world championship.
