Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s eternal rivalry in soccer is well documented. The whole career of both players has always been under a microscopic lens, however, recent throwback pictures have added a new layer to the rivalry.
One of the biggest fan pages of Cristiano Ronaldo on ‘X’ shared a picture of a young Lionel Messi meeting a young Cristiano Ronaldo. Judging by the hairstyles of both, it can be assumed that the picture is from around 2008 or earlier.
The tweet from the fan page pointed out how Messi was acting like a fan in these pictures when meeting the Portuguese. The body language of the two surely suggested the same. It is also noteworthy that Ronaldo being two years older was ahead in his career during that time.
Messi fans will keep denying the fact that even Messi looked up to Ronaldo.
— Solomon (@yakymoney) November 14, 2023
Ronaldo was already an established superstar at Manchester United. Meanwhile, Messi properly broke out at Barcelona after the arrival of Pep Guardiola and the exit of Ronaldinho. These pictures capture a moment in time in soccer history, even if the ‘fanboy’ angle isn’t digestible for some sections of the fans.
He looks up to his idol
— Ben (@BenOfMadrid14) November 14, 2023
Comments on the original tweet also reflect the same. Comments like “Messi fans will keep denying the fact that even Messi looked up to Ronaldo,” “He looks up to his idol,” “And humbled him throughout his career” “So Handshaking is fan buying,” and “Insane copium,” echoed the divide between the fans over the caption of the tweet.
Lionel Messi wanted to play with Cristiano Ronaldo
Both careers took off after this picture as the duo dominated the prestigious Ballon d’Or accolade for years to come. The duo religiously finished on the podium till 2018 and each time commented about each other abilities and records.
The 2015 edition was special due to the remarks of Lionel Messi during the ceremony. The Argentine revealed that he would love to play with Ronaldo, a dream scenario for soccer lovers around the world.
And humbled him throughout his career pic.twitter.com/wFldgdkH9f
— Immortal Rooster (@ImmortalRod) November 14, 2023
Messi stated: “I always like to play with the best, and he [Ronaldo] is one of them. I think it will be difficult for us to play in the same team, but obviously I would like to. I was lucky enough to play and participate with many very good players and, obviously, I would also like to do it with him.”
Eight years earlier, it was more likely that the duo might end up playing together. However, in 2023, this dream prospect looks unlikely. Ronaldo is well settled with Al-Nassr with talks about extending his current deal gaining momentum. Whereas, Lionel Messi is loving his life in America with Inter Miami in MLS.