Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the biggest rivals in the football world. In the 21st century, World Football has not seen any competitors better than Messi and Ronaldo.
Start of the rivalry
Cristiano Ronaldo was playing for Manchester United when first won the Ballon d’Or. He was the first one from rival to win the Ballon d’Or. Since then, Lionel Messi was able to win four Ballon d’Ors in a row. In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid. Lionel Messi was playing for Barcelona, and that rivalry became more interesting. Even Lionel admitted that clash against Cristiano Ronaldo was extraordinary.
Barcelona and Real Madrid played many times in the past decade. Lionel and Cristiano were always special to watch during El Clasico matches. In 2018, Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus. Experts believe that Lionel Messi could not play as good as he was playing back then when Ronaldo was a player for Real Madrid.
Special connection with Cristiano Ronaldo
While giving an interview to DAZN Italia, Lionel Messi admitted a special bond between him and Portuguese player. Lionel noted that both players loved playing against each other. From the sporting standpoint, they were rivals, but off the pitch, they are friends. Argentinean admitted that La Liga lost one of the most prominent players when Cristiano left Spain.
Real Madrid and Barcelona – Two best clubs in the world
Messi said that playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is something special. Madrid and Barcelona are two best teams in mind of Messi, and that’s why the rivalry between Cristiano and Messi was so addictive. Lionel Messi noted that Real Madrid lost a crucial player. Cristiano was someone special who can’t be replaced by someone. That’s why Los Blancos struggled in the season of 2018/2019. Lionel hoped that one day he would be able to play against Ronaldo again.