Lionel Messi has paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, in an interview with Ballon d’Or media.
Messi described their era of dominance in football as “truly magnificent” and acknowledged the role Ronaldo played in pushing him to give his best.
“It was a truly magnificent time. I think we pushed each other to give our best.”
Despite now playing on different continents, Messi and Ronaldo’s mutual respect for each other remains strong. Messi praised Ronaldo’s relentless drive to win, saying, “He always wanted to win everything, all the time.”
Messi reflected on their rivalry, stating, “It was a wonderful era, both for us and for everyone who loves football.
We deserve a lot of respect for staying at the top for so long.” Their rivalry has left a lasting impact on the sport, creating unforgettable memories for fans worldwide.
