Messi speaks out about the rivalry with Ronaldo: 'The most spectacular in football history'

"It's easy to reach the top, it's difficult to maintain that position," Messi affirmed.

"It's always a battle, you could say that - a purely sporting battle, a very beautiful battle," Messi said when asked about his best memory of the confrontation between him and Ronaldo.

Messi always emphasizes the competition with Ronaldo

Photo: Reuters

The Ballon d'Or website, the organizer of the Golden Ball, recently had a private interview with Messi, to record the competition between this famous player and his long-time rival from Portugal. In which, both famous players from 2008 to 2023 have won a total of 13 Golden Ball titles, with Messi leading with 8 Golden Balls, and Ronaldo winning 5 Golden Balls.

"I think we pushed each other because we were both extremely competitive. Ronaldo always wanted to win every game, just like me. It was a special time for both of us and football fans in general.

What we have achieved in such a long time is remarkable and perhaps the most spectacular in the history of football. As the saying goes, it is easy to reach the top, but to maintain that position is the real challenge. And we have been at the top for 10 to 15 years. It is spectacular and leaves great memories for anyone who loves football," Messi emphasized.

Ronaldo and Messi have had a beautiful rivalry for 10 to 15 years

Photo: Reuters

According to Spanish newspaper AS , the period when Messi and Ronaldo competed most fiercely was when they played together in La Liga.

Messi scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 appearances for Barcelona. Ronaldo, during his time at Real Madrid, scored 450 goals and provided 131 assists in just 438 games. He also became the Bernabeu's all-time leading scorer.

Messi has been playing for Inter Miami in the United States since July 2023, preparing to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. The 37-year-old Argentine star continues to maintain his peak performance and can participate in the 2026 World Cup. He is about to extend his contract to play for the club until the end of 2027.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo, at the age of 40, is still uncertain about his future with Al Nassr Club as his contract is about to expire at the end of June. Ronaldo still aims to participate in the 2026 World Cup and reach the milestone of scoring 1,000 goals.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-len-tieng-ve-cuoc-canh-tranh-voi-ronaldo-ngoan-muc-nhat-lich-su-bong-da-185250518083313981.htm