In a groundbreaking statement today, Cristiano Ronaldo, the esteemed Portuguese forward of Al Nassr, has officially declared an end to the long-standing rivalry between himself and Argentine sensation Lionel Messi, who captains Inter Miami. Ronaldo, now 38 years old, emphasized that fans no longer need to choose sides and can appreciate the brilliance of both football icons without bias.
Ronaldo’s career-spanning rivalry with Messi has been a hallmark of football history, captivating fans worldwide. Speaking on this matter, Ronaldo stated, “I don’t see things like that; the rivalry is over. It was a healthy rivalry, and the spectators liked it a lot.”
He went on to emphasize the importance of recognizing the exceptional talents of both players, saying, “Whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi and vice versa because they are both very good. We’ve done well; we have changed the history of football, and we’ll keep on doing it. We are respected all over the world; that’s the most important thing.”
Ronaldo acknowledged their individual journeys and continued impact on the sport, noting, “He makes his way; I make mine, even if we’re playing outside Europe. From what I’ve seen, he has done well, and so have I. It’s about continuing; the legacy continues.”
While the two football icons were fierce competitors on the pitch, Ronaldo clarified, “I’ve said there’s no rivalry. We’ve shared the stage for 15 years, and we ended up being—I wouldn’t say friends—because I never dined with him. We are professional colleagues, and we respect each other.”
Ronaldo, who recently marked a historic milestone by scoring his 850th senior career goal for club and country, expressed his gratitude and ambition: “The 850 goals are a historic achievement. It was a surprise for me; I never thought I would reach them. But I want more; I want to be at the top, to think big. I want to thank those who helped me, all the clubs where I played and the national team.”
The football world will forever remember the era of Ronaldo and Messi’s clashes in the El Clasico when they represented Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. However, as they move forward in their careers, both players appear committed to fostering mutual respect and admiration among fans, transcending any lingering rivalry that once defined their epic duels on the pitch.
