- Cristiano Ronaldo has lifted the lid on his relationship with his lon-time rival
- Ronaldo has also revealed who he thinks is the best ever player
- Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times to Ronaldo’s five
Cristiano Ronaldo has praised the skills of his long-time rival Lionel Messi – but then declared that he is the most complete footballer of all time.
For nine years, the pair faced off against each other in the Spanish La Liga, where Ronaldo played for Real Madrid and Messi their greatest rivals, Barcelona.
During that time, the pair were arguably the best in the world, with both competing to top the goalscoring charts, as well as helping their team to the League title.
Also at that time Ronaldo and Messi seemed to have a private battle for the annual Ballon d’Or title – given to the man voted the best footballer in the world. From 2009-17, the pair both won four Ballon d’Ors.
With the pair dominating world football, it was often assumed the pair disliked each other, but apparently this isn’t the case.
Speaking to Spanish football show El Chiringuito de Jugones, Ronaldo revealed that he and Messi – who is now a star for Inter Miami in the MLS – have never disliked each other. “I have a good relationship with Leo Messi. I was translating him in English at an award ceremony too! It was funny. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along.”
Cristiano Ronaldo – best footballer ever?
But while Ronaldo has praised Messi’s ability, it doesn’t mean that he thinks the Argentinian is the best player there has ever been. According to Ronaldo, it is Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I honestly haven’t seen anyone better than me,” he said, modestly. “You have to look at the numbers full stop. I believe I am the most complete player who has ever existed. I do everything in football. I play well in terms of heading the ball, I’m good at free-kicks, I’m good with my left foot, I’m quick, I’m strong, I jump.
“I am the best player ever, I believe that.”
No retirement plans
While Ronaldo will soon turn 40, he still doesn’t have plans to retire. He has maintained incredible levels of fitness and has so far scored 23 goals this season for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Some have thought that Ronaldo might continue for another five years. His former Manchester United and Portugal colleague, Nani, recently claimed Ronaldo may continue until 2030 as the FIFA World Cup will be held that year partly in his home country of Portugal.
