Their rivalry is well-known and well-documented. If Cristiano Ronaldo scores a hat-trick in a game, one can be sure that Argentina and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi will definitely try to emulate it. However, irrespective of the rivalry, the two legends of modern football are quite respectful towards each other. The competition between the two has become folklore in Spanish football history.
Ronaldo after a nine-year spell with Real Madrid has left for Italy where he is now playing for Juventus. In a recent interview with an Argentine radio station, LM 10 has said that he missed CR7 in the La Liga. “Cristiano took La Liga to new heights. He is a great player and I enjoyed playing against him. However, his success at winning various trophies, at times made me angry and envious,” Messi has said. “Even though we rarely interacted socially, there is no doubt in my mind that he is a great footballer.”
It must be mentioned here that Ronaldo was asked whether he would miss his competition with Messi when he arrived at Juventus. The Portuguese star had then said that he would like Messi to come and play in Italy. “I want him to come here (Italy) and face new challenges. I am certain that he will succeed because he has abundance of talent,” Ronaldo had stated.
The comments prove that whatever may be their equations both on and off the field the two mutually admire and respect each other.
Agencies
