Lionel Messi looked back on one of football’s most iconic duels: his historic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. In an interview shared by the official Ballon d’Or account, the Inter Miami forward reflected on the years where both players dominated the global stage, especially during the memorable clashes between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

“It was always a battle”

For more than a decade, the rivalry between Messi and Cristiano defined a golden era for the sport. The Argentine described those matches as “a battle, in quotes,” and acknowledged that they pushed each other to greater heights: “It was very enjoyable from a sporting perspective. We fed off each other because we’re both highly competitive. He always wanted to win everything.”

With 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them—eight for Messi and five for Cristiano—their rivalry extended beyond the pitch and became a global phenomenon. “It was a beautiful time for us and for fans of football in general. What we did for so many years has great value. As they say, getting there is easy, staying there is the hard part,” added Messi.

Cristiano also respected their rivalry

For his part, Cristiano Ronaldo, now playing for Al Nassr, also addressed their competition in a 2023 interview: “Hate? I don’t see it that way, the rivalry is over. It was good, fans enjoyed it. If you love Cristiano Ronaldo, there’s no reason to hate Messi.”

He also emphasized the impact they made: “We’re both very good. We changed the history of football. We’re respected worldwide—that’s what matters most.”

With Cristiano scoring 935 goals in 1,272 matches and Messi netting 860 in 1,096 appearances, both legends remain active, albeit in different leagues. Yet the mutual respect and the unforgettable moments they gave fans—especially in the Barcelona vs Real Madrid clashes—remain etched in football history.

“We stayed at the top for 10, 15 years. It was spectacular and a great memory for everyone who loves football,” Messi concluded, acknowledging the legacy of a rivalry that defined an era.