SUMMARY
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have squared off against each other on the pitch numerous times.
- However, it is strange how the two of the world's greats never swapped shirts with each other.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have squared off against each other on the pitch numerous times. However, it is strange how the two of the world’s greats never swapped shirts with each other. The reason behind it will surprise many.
It is believed that Lionel Messi has a strict rule when it comes to swapping jerseys with soccer stars. And Cristiano Ronaldo is not even an exception to his rule. The reason certainly revolves around the aura of the Argentine and his greatness over the years.
🗣 “I’m not the kind of player who asks to swap jerseys at the end of the game but I did it once… for Zidane’s shirt.”
– Leo Messi. 🔥🇫🇷🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/mVypmvKIBo
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) November 5, 2018
Once in an interview, the former Barcelona superstar stated that he doesn’t like to ask anyone for swapping jerseys after a game. He said, “I never asked for a rival jersey. There is no exception- if there are my compatriots in the opposing squad, then I will always gladly swap jerseys with them. If there are no Argentines on the pitch and someone asks to swap shirts, no problem I will do it, ”
However, there’s an exception to this. During his early days at Barcelona, Messi once asked French Ballon d’Or winner, Zinedine Zidane for his shirt after an El Classico game.
What does Lionel Messi do with his opponent’s shirts after swapping
Opposition players have often asked Lionel Messi to exchange jerseys after the conclusion of the match. Although the Argentine is very particular with swapping jerseys with opposition players, here’s what he does with those jerseys.
In an interview, the current Inter Miami captain stated, “I have them all saved in my house in Barcelona where I have all the important mementos of my career.”
Why does it look like Messi was asking for that guy’s shirt? 😂pic.twitter.com/pwIF3J8fuw
— 💔 (@aryesh_10) February 27, 2022