Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and the Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo are constantly compared as two of the best of this generation, and perhaps of all time.
Speaking to DAZN Italia, Messi said the competition between himself and his rival was special. The climax when Ronaldo was at Real Madrid. The two face each other at least twice in one season.
“It was special and it was a duel that will remain forever as it went on for many years and it isn’t easy to keep competing at the highest level for so long. More so in the two teams that we were at, so demanding as is Madrid and Barca, the best two in the world.” Messi said.
“Competing head to head for so many years will be remembered forever. The sporting rivalry between us was very nice on a personal level. I think that the fans also enjoyed it, be they Madrid or Barca supporters, and those who just like football in general will also have enjoyed it.” Messi added.
With Barcelona, Messi firmly established himself as one of the two best players of this generation, alongside Ronaldo of Juventus and Portugal.
Ronaldo has played in three different leagues and has been successful in each of them. Messi has played for one team all his career, many people doubt if he would have been equally successful in Premier League, while Ronaldo has won Ballon d’Or s playing for two different clubs.
El Clasico has and always will be significant. However, the Argentina captain even insists that the pair improved the battle between their arch-rival clubs too.
“Obviously when Cristiano was at Madrid the games against them were always special. It was all the more special because of what those game mean but those times are behind us and things go on, it’s what it is.” Messi said.
During their time at La Liga, Messi has scored 472 goals in 476 matches, while Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 appearances across all competitions.
