Always on good terms: Lionel Messi talks about his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi and Ronaldo are expected to play their last World Cup this year.

They established themselves as arguably the two best players in football history and defined a whole generation. For years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off at the top level on the field. “La Pulga” and CR7 repeatedly outperformed one another.

The star of Argentina and Inter Miami is undoubtedly nearing the conclusion of his career as he looks to win the MLS Cup a second time in a row. Cristiano Ronaldo, his legendary rival, is also nearing the end of his remarkable football career.

We will soon have to assess the genuine excellence of the past 10 or more years after these renowned attackers hang up their boots.

Messi opens up about his rivalry with Ronaldo

Messi discussed what it was like to compete against Ronaldo at the top level in Spain and in European tournaments in an interview with Argentinean media this week.

“What happened was a beautiful sporting rivalry. It’s something natural in the world of football. I was at Barcelona and he was at Real Madrid, and we were competing for everything both collectively and individually, so people were always comparing us.

“But our relationship was always good and respectful, and everything that happened was purely athletic. There was nothing personal.

“We didn’t meet often except at matches or award ceremonies, and we were always on good terms.

“Now we’re at different stages in our lives, but what happened was a beautiful sporting rivalry.”

Even if there are many up-and-coming football superstars, it might be a while before we witness another one-on-one contest like this.

Both delivered the level of performance we have rarely witnessed, now as they defined an era of football and won many trophies and individual awards throughout their career.

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