In 2019, Lionel Messi shared insights into his fierce competition with Cristiano Ronaldo during their years in LaLiga, revealing that the rivalry forced him to “suffer” while also recognizing Ronaldo as an equal. The Argentine superstar acknowledged that watching his Portuguese opponent’s achievements at Real Madrid caused him frustration.
Messi and Ronaldo faced each other numerous times in thrilling El Clásico matches, pushing each other to break records and battling annually for the coveted Ballon d’Or awards. Ronaldo’s arrival at Real Madrid in 2009 marked the beginning of a nine-year period where both players dominated Spanish football until Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus in 2018.
Messi Highlights Current Top Football Stars but Separates Ronaldo from the List
During a 2019 interview on Radio 94.7 Club Octubre, Messi named several players such as Neymar, Eden Hazard, and Kylian Mbappé among the best in the world at that time. However, when questioned about why Ronaldo was not included in that group, Messi explained:
“I didn’t include Cristiano Ronaldo in that list, because I consider him to be on the same level as me. It was fun to play against him, even if he made me suffer too. It irritated me seeing Real Madrid lift trophies.” —Lionel Messi
Messi further expressed his respect for Ronaldo’s move to Juventus:
“I do wish he was still in Spain, but I have a great deal of respect for Juventus. They seem a very strong squad, with excellent players, and are now even stronger with Cristiano.” —Lionel Messi
Legacy Beyond Europe: Messi and Ronaldo’s Continuing Influence
Though Messi and Ronaldo have since left European football, they continue to display their talents in new leagues, with Messi competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) and Ronaldo playing in the Saudi Pro League. Their ongoing careers keep their legendary rivalry alive for fans worldwide.
PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Shares His View on Messi vs. Ronaldo Debate
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian forward who starred for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last season, weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the greatest of all time between Messi and Ronaldo. After helping PSG secure a continental treble, including a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final, Kvaratskhelia reflected on the two icons.
During a discussion with streamer JasonTheWeen, the former Napoli player admitted his admiration for Ronaldo but clearly expressed who he believes stands apart:
“For me I love Ronaldo so much, but of course Messi is like from another planet.” —Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
The Lasting Impact of a Rivalry That Defined Modern Football
The intense competition between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo transformed football over the last decade, inspiring countless fans and players. Messi’s candid comments reveal the challenge he faced while acknowledging Ronaldo’s quality and the respect that underpinned their rivalry. Their legacy continues to influence the sport globally as they broaden their careers across different continents and leagues.