Cristiano Ronaldo has left the soccer world stunned by his most recent answer about the GOAT debate. Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been dominating the soccer world for almost two decades now. With multiple titles and over 1,500 goals scored, Ronaldo and Messi’s legacy in soccer remains unparalleled. However, with both players in the twilight of their careers, Ronaldo believes that the rivalry is over.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently appeared in a press conference ahead of Portugal‘s UEFA Euro qualifiers against Slovakia. During the press conference, he talked about his rivalry with Messi. The Al-Nassr star said, “We’ve both changed the history of football and are respected. The rivalry between us is over.” He also added that with both him and Messi moving out of Europe this year, their long-standing rivalry has come to an end.
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo:
🎙️ “If you like Cristiano, you are not obligated to dislike Messi.
We’ve both changed the history of football and are respected. The rivalry between us is over. We shared the stage for 15 years, I’m not saying we’re friends, but we respect each other.”… pic.twitter.com/VBWAovXpDp
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) September 6, 2023
He further added that, while he’s not friends with Messi, he does have a lot of respect for the Inter Miami star. Lionel Messi had also talked about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentine talisman stated that being friends with Ronaldo is difficult since the pair don’t share a dressing room. However, the two soccer superstars share a respectful relationship and have a lot of admiration for each other.
Cristiano Ronaldo also had a piece of advice for the soccer fans. The ex-Manchester United star stated that a fan who likes him doesn’t necessarily have to dislike Messi. Last but not least, Ronaldo stated that both he and Messi have changed the history of soccer, for which they will always be respected by the fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is a big fan of Lionel Messi
Despite his father being one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is a fan of Lionel Messi. Ronaldo Jr., Ronaldo’s eldest son, prefers the former FC Barcelona star to his father. Moreover, Ronaldo Jr.’s love for Messi was confirmed by Cristiano Ronaldo himself. During the 2014 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were seen sharing a light moment.
Ronaldo, who was sitting with his son and his mother, urged Ronaldo Jr. to go and greet Messi. Upon seeing his son’s shy reaction, Ronaldo told Messi, “He watches a video on the internet of all of us and he talks about you.” Ronaldo’s words brought out a chuckle from Messi, who went to Ronaldo Jr. and greeted him.