Cristiano Ronaldo has shown his true colours by playing down his long-term rivalry with Lionel Messi and claiming that there is “no hatred” between him and the Argentina World Cup-winning captain. The pair, who are widely regarded as the greatest players of the modern era with a staggering 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them, are set to face each other on the pitch one more time after it was confirmed that Inter Miami will play Al Nassr in a Friendly on February 1.
Ronaldo and Messi enjoyed hugely successful careers in European football with fierce Spanish rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, but are now playing out the autumn years of their journey outside the continent.
Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in January after parting company with Manchester United, becoming the highest-paid footballer on the planet in the process.
After confirming he would be leaving Paris Saint-Germain on the expiry of his contract, Messi opted against following his great rival to the Middle East and has instead taken the MLS by storm with Inter Miami.
The two teams will now lock horns in a match that has clearly been agreed to bring the two stars back together but Ronaldo insists that he only has respect for his long-term rival. As per GB News, the Portuguese captain said earlier this year: “Hatred? I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is over. It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi and vice versa.
“We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing.
“He’s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well and so have I.
“The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.”
The feeling is mutual with Messi, who reflected on his “battle” with Ronaldo over the years whilst the former Barcelona great collected his record eighth Ballon d’Or in October.
The Argentine said: “It was a great battle, from a sporting point of view. We fed off each other’s rivalry because we’re both great competitors.
“He, too, always wanted to win everything, all the time. It was a very enjoyable time for both of us and for everyone who loves football. I think we deserve a lot of credit for having managed to stay at the top for so long. Because as they say, it’s easy to get there.
“What’s difficult is staying there. And we stayed at the top for ten, fifteen years. It’s very difficult to stay at that level and it’s spectacular. And I think it remains a good memory for all those who followed us.”
