The Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo assured today (06/09/2023) that the rivalry with the Argentinean Lionel Messi is over and that “he who loves Cristiano should not hate Messi”, because both are “very good” players who “changed the history of football”.
The rivalry with Messi was “good, the audience liked it”, but “it’s all over” and today, although there is no friendship, “we respect each other”, Cristiano said at a press conference at Oeiras Football City, on the outskirts of Lisbon, where he is concentrated with the Portuguese national team.
“We performed on the same stage for 15 years and eventually became, I won’t say friends, I never dined with him (laughs), but we are professional colleagues and respect each other,” said the Portuguese star. .
The current Saudi Al-Nasr player also stated that Messi, from what he has seen so far, is “doing well” in his new team, American football Inter Miami, and that although he is no longer a direct rival Argentinean, “The legacy continues.”
Messi, Haaland and Mbappe among Ballon d’Or nominees
On the sidelines, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé or 2022 winner Karim Benzema are on the list of thirty nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2023 unveiled this Wednesday, while world champion Spain have five contenders on the list. candidates in the women’s category.
By contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo, five-time Ballon d’Or winner and now Al-Nasr player, is conspicuously absent from the list.
His historic rival, Argentinean Messi, world champion with Albiceleste in Qatar 2022, is favorite for an eighth Ballon d’Or despite his departure from Paris Saint-Germain to play for American MLS Inter Miami. less flamboyant team. championship compared to major European leagues.
uh (efe, Reuters)