One of the greatest soccer players in history has now praised the other, as Cristiano Ronaldo opened up on his rivalry with Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.
The pair have pushed each other on for nearly two decades in Europe, but now Ronaldo is playing with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Messi is currently lighting up MLS with Miami.
Both players are coming towards the end of their careers, and Ronaldo has stated that the rivalry between them is now over, and has praised Messi’s impact in Miami.
Speaking in a press conference with the Portugal national team, Ronaldo has admitted that Messi has performed well in Miami.
“We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing. He carves his path, I [carve] mine. He’s been doing well, from what I’ve seen,” he said.
“The legacy continues, but the rivalry is over. As I said, we shared the stage for 15 years and ended up being, I wouldn’t say friends, but professional colleagues and we respect each other.”
Messi is enjoying soccer again
The two have gone down different, but somehow similar paths in the last year. Ronaldo left Europe after having his contract terminated at Manchester United, and started the Saudi Arabian soccer revolution.
Messi meanwhile, achieved his lifelong goal as he won the World Cup with Argentina, but his time at Paris Saint-Germain was by contrast, a nightmare.
The 36-year-old found himself in and out of the team after disagreements with the club hierarchy, and left on a free transfer at the end of last season, in what was an overall frustrating two years for him.
He looks full of life again in Miami, and his form on the pitch has been nothing short of sensational.
Both players were epic in their primes, and they are now in different continents rediscovering their love for the game.