Lionel Messi has shared heartfelt reflections on his iconic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, describing it as a “beautiful battle” that elevated both legends and captivated football fans worldwide.
A football era defined by two megastars remains alive in the hearts and minds of fans around the world.
Their rivalry, born in the chaotic cauldron of La Liga, lifted the game to unimaginable heights and made El Clásico the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet.
The challenge between the two players has never really been about trophies or goals, but rather a desire to be the best, which pushed both players to reshape what could be done on the pitch.
Now, one half of the rivalry has shared some emotion on his famous battle that gave us insight into the mutual admiration behind the rivalry.
Lionel Messi, the Barcelona icon, recently told Ballon d’Or about his illustrious rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo by calling it ” a very beautiful battle.”
The Argentine, who has won seven of his eight Ballon d’Ors during his time in Barcelona, elaborated on how their rivalry made them better.
“We mutually nourished each other,” best said when speaking about their shared competitiveness.
From the years 2009 to 2018, Messi and Ronaldo, who were playing at Real Madrid, dominated La Liga and together scored over 1,300 goals while lifting more than 70 trophies.
So much left for fans who were captivated by both their performances as a team, but also their brilliance as individuals.
Messi’s remarks show how much he admired Ronaldo for being able to stay at the top, something he says is more difficult than getting to the top.
Now starring for Inter Miami in the MLS, and Ronaldo playing in Saudi Arabia, Messi looks back on their competitive rivalry as a fond memory for soccer fans.
The debate of who was best is still alive, however, Messi’s comments speak more to respect than competition.
Their era was not just a race for individual support, it was about breaking the limits of greatness.
As fans begin to recall their incredible stories, the Messi-Ronaldo story will remain an example of how great a thing competition can lead to legends with an impact that lives on.
8️⃣🌕 for Messi & 5️⃣🌕 for Ronaldo.
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
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) May 17, 2025
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
