Cristiano Ronaldo expressed great respect for his great rival Lionel Messi.

Discussing his rivalry with Messi while on international duty with Portugal, Ronaldo was happy to focus on their shared achievements, saying: “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.”

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This is not the first time CR7 has spoken out about Messi. At the 2019 European Footballer Award ceremony, the Portuguese superstar hopes to have a chance to eat with his colleagues:

“I find it quite strange because Messi and I have stood on this stage together for 15 years. I don’t know if that has ever happened in football. Two players on the same stage at the same time, that’s unusual.” easy. Of course, we are on good terms. We haven’t had dinner together yet but I hope that happens in the future.”

In other developments, Messi recently entered the nomination list for the 2023 Golden Ball title. This is not surprising, when “El Pulga” had a magical journey with Argentina to win the historic 2022 World Cup.