Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner says they fed off each other “because we’re both extremely competitive”
Lionel Messi has discussed his long-running rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, describing their time at the top as “always a battle” but also “a beautiful time” for the sport.
In a rare and reflective message shared during an interview with Ballon d’Or, the current Inter Miami star spoke candidly about the years he spent competing against Ronaldo, a rivalry that defined an entire generation of football fans.
“It was always a battle, in sporting terms,” Messi said. “I think we’ve fed off each other in this rivalry, because we’re both extremely competitive. He always wanted to win everything, and so did I.
“It was a beautiful time for us and for people who love football because as they say, it’s easy to reach the top, but the hard part is staying there.”
The pair shared the Ballon d’Or podium for over a decade, racking up 13 awards between them and pushing each other to stratospheric heights. While their supporters were often split into two warring factions, backing their side with a firm “For me, this is the GOAT”, the mutual respect between the two legends was clear, even in the most heated moments of clásicos.
Messi and Ronaldo are now on opposite sides of the globe, one in the west in the United States and the other in the east in Saudi Arabia, but their influence continues to echo across football and will long be remembered.
“We stayed at the top for ten, fifteen years, I don’t know,” said Messi. “It was spectacular and remains a great memory for everyone.”
