Cristiano Ronaldo does not want to know about the hatred or rivalry towards Lionel Messi: “We have changed the landscape of football”

Now that both of them have disappeared from the European scene, Cristiano Ronaldo (38) no longer wants to know about the ‘hatred’ or rivalry’ towards the other world star – Lionel Messi (36). “He was good, and the spectators loved him. But I don’t see it that way. The rivalry is over.”

Tomorrow in Slovakia, Portugal wants to continue their unbeaten campaign towards Euro 2024. With national coach Roberto Martinez, but especially with Cristiano Ronaldo who remains the ultimate tastemaker. In the first four European Championship qualifying matches, he scored five goals. Not tired yet, this 38-year-old top scorer.

On Wednesday, Ronaldo spoke at the national team’s press conference. And was it mainly about… Lionel Messi? Or rather: about the rivalry between the two world stars. and whether it is still there.

We have shared the stage together for fifteen years. I’m not saying Messi and I are friends, but professional colleagues. We respect each other.

Cristiano Ronaldo

,,Dislikes? “I don’t see it that way,” Ronaldo said. “The rivalry is gone. You know, it was good. The spectators loved it. But those who love Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn’t necessarily hate Messi. We are both very good. They made history and even changed the landscape of football. We are respected all over The world, and that’s the most important thing. He’s walking his way and I’m walking mine. We keep moving forward, we keep building our legacy. Because Messi is also doing well over there in America. We’ve shared the stage together for fifteen years. And it has led, no I say friends, but rather professional colleagues. We respect each other.”

Ronaldo’s words came just hours before it was announced that he had no chance of winning the Ballon d’Or. And that’s good news, because for the first time in twenty years, he wasn’t on the shortlist for the prestigious individual football trophy. The Portuguese won the elections five times, but he will not run after moving to the Saudi victory. Last year, the Portuguese took 20th place.

Ronaldo on Saudi Arabia: proud as a pioneer

Ronaldo was also asked about criticism of Saudi Arabia and the money related to it. “It’s easy to criticize. What competition doesn’t get under fire? Where there are no problems and no controversy? I’ll keep saying this: everyone thought I was crazy when I fell for victory. But what’s wrong with this competition? It’s an honor to get a taste of this culture and change football.” In a country.As a pioneer, I am very proud of the fact that the great stars are playing football here now.