Cristiano Ronaldo insists he has never seen Lionel Messi has a rival and points finger at media for ‘stirring up’ idea that pair did not get along while playing against each other for Real Madrid and Barcelona
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi graced the same pitch on Tuesday evening
- It was the first time since 2018 that the pair had come up against one and other
- The Juventus star insists that he has never seen the Argentine as a rival
Cristiano Ronaldo insists that there has never been a problem between himself and Lionel Messi, stating that he never saw the Argentine as a rival.
The pair have been at the centre of a debate of the last decade on which holds the title of the best player in the world, with the pair lifting the Ballon D’Or trophy 11 times between them.
The fact that each played on either side of the fierce Spanish rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona only served to add fuel to the fire as they went toe-to-toe for every major domestic and European honour season after season.
Cristiano Ronaldo says he has no issue with Lionel Messi, stating he does not see him as a rival
The pair met on the field for the first time since 2018 on Tuesday night, when Juventus came away from the Nou Camp with a 3-0 victory – two of their goals coming courtesy of their No 7 from the penalty spot.
Both appeared to smile as they greeted each other on the pitch, and Ronaldo stated that any relationship between the pair has always been cordial.
‘We’ve been in the awards ceremonies for 12-13 years now and I never saw him as a rival, that’s all stirred up in the media,’ Ronaldo said – as per Football Espana.
‘We always got along perfectly well and if you ask Leo, he’ll tell you the same thing.’
The 3-0 victory meant the Serie A side pipped Messi’s side to top spot in Champions League Group G.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice at the Nou Camp to help Juventus seal top spot in Group G
It is a massive boost to boss Andrea Pirlo, who finally appears to be finding his feet with his side after a stumbling start to life in charge of the Italian champions.
‘This victory is going to be such a confidence-booster, we needed a win like this against a big team,’ added Ronaldo.
‘When you score three goals at Camp Nou, there can be no doubt you deserve to go through as the group winners.’
