Messi reveals all regarding ‘remarkable’ rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi called his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo “a golden era,” making it clear that it remains a fond memory for both him and football as a whole.
Although both are now past their peak years—one playing in Saudi Arabia and the other in Major League Soccer—the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during their time in LaLiga with Barcelona and Real Madrid was immense and arguably unrepeatable.
Football witnessed two players who could easily be considered the greatest in football history go head-to-head for major European titles and individual honours like the Ballon d’Or.
In a recent interview with @ballondor, Messi—now playing for Inter Miami and preparing for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup—reflected on what it was like to compete against someone like Cristiano Ronaldo. He emphasised the difficulty of maintaining excellence at the highest level, noting, “It’s easy to get there; the hard part is staying there.”
Most big chances created in a LaLiga season since 2016/17:
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 17, 2025
◎ 36 - Lionel Messi (19/20)
◎ 34 - Lionel Messi (18/19)
◎ 30 - Lionel Messi (17/18)
◉ 28 - Lamine Yamal (24/25)
◎ 27 - Lionel Messi (16/17)
Messi was ridiculous. 😂 pic.twitter.com/PcYrLAlsMc
‘He always wanted to win everything, just like I did’
Currently, at 40 years old, Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain. His contract with Al Nassr expires in June, and there has been no official word on whether he will renew or move on. Meanwhile, Messi, now 37, is under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2025. However, it seems only a matter of time before he signs an extension at the club where he has reunited with former teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez—and now has Javier Mascherano joining as part of the coaching staff.
“It was always a battle, so to speak—a sporting one, a very beautiful one. I think we pushed each other because we’re both extremely competitive. He always wanted to win everything, just like I did. It was a special time for both of us and for football fans in general. What we achieved over such a long period is remarkable. As the saying goes, it’s easy to reach the top, but staying there is the real challenge—and we stayed there for 10 to 15 years. It was spectacular and left great memories for anyone who loves football.”
8️⃣🌕 for Messi & 5️⃣🌕 for Ronaldo.
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) May 17, 2025
Messi reflects on his immense rivalry with Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or. Between 2008 and 2023, they won the trophy 13 times! What is your favourite memory of the battle between the two most successful Ballon d'Or winners?#ballondor pic.twitter.com/9CVkK1pqwn
With Barcelona, Messi scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 appearances. Cristiano Ronaldo, in his time at Real Madrid, recorded 450 goals and 131 assists in just 438 matches, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer. In terms of Ballon d’Or wins, Messi leads with eight, while Ronaldo has claimed five.
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