Lionel Messi has opened up about his many battles for Barcelona against arch-nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo when he was at Real Madrid. Over the years watching the two battle it out for the title has brought many joy to fans around the world. Fans often compared the two and love the relationship and respect the players have for one another on the field, and off the field as well. The last 11 of the 12 Ballon d’Or awards, have seen the two battle it out for the prestigious award. With that being said, there is no mistaking that these two are the greatest current football players to Play the game.
The pair have come face to face on several occasions, to battle it out, in Spanish competitions, the Champions League and even at international level. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have fought it out 35 times on the football pitch with Messi winning 16 times to Ronaldo’s 10.
Paying homage to Ronaldo, Messi believes they were on “equal footing” during 10 years of competing, adding that it bought an extra spice to any El Clasico encounters.
“It was a special duel and it will remain forever, because it lasted many years and it is not easy to maintain certain levels for a long time,” Messi told DAZN.
“Plus, the teams we played in were also very demanding, both Real Madrid and Barca, the two best in the world.” Messi added.
Reminiscing which smiles, The Argentine footballer added, “Competing on an equal footing for so many years, I think it will remain forever. The sporting duel between us was very nice on a personal level and I think people had fun too, whether it was from Madrid or from Barca, or even only football fans in general.”
“Obviously when Cristiano was at Real Madrid the matches were always special. The matches against Real always mean a lot, but when Cristiano was there they became much more special. But it’s a time that has passed now, that we have experienced. Now we have to look ahead to the future.”
Ronaldo is back in action for Juventus on Wednesday evening when they face Udinese in the Coppa Italia, while Messi plays again for Barcelona against Granada on Sunday.
