Cristiano Ronaldo held perhaps the most important press conference in history, as he gave his thoughts on the rivalry between himself and Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo and Messi dominated football for 15 years, dating back to when Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 and the year after.
The pair have left Europe; the Portuguese moved to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in January, while the 2022 World Cup winner moved to Inter Miami in the MLS in July.
“The rivalry now belongs to the past, but it was a good rivalry. The fans were delighted. But those who like Cristiano don’t need to hate Messi and vice versa. We both changed the history of football and we will change again”.
“We are respected all over the world and that is the most important thing. He is following his path as I follow mine, it doesn’t matter if we play outside Europe.”
“I have seen that he is doing well and so have I. The legacy continues, but not the rivalry.”
“For 15 years we shared the stage, I wouldn’t say we are friends because we have never had dinner together, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other”, Ronaldo said at the press conference.
Ronaldo has gathered in Portugal for the September matches.
