Barcelona icon Lionel Messi reflects on legendary rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo – ‘He deserves a lot of credit’ | OneFootball

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has looked back fondly on his unforgettable rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, which defined an era of footballing greatness.

In comments shared by Ballon d’Or during a retrospective on the 13 Ballon d’Or awards the pair have shared, Messi described the rivalry as “a very beautiful battle” that pushed both players to extraordinary heights.

The Argentine icon acknowledged the fierce competition between the two megastars when he wore the Blaugrana shirt and Ronaldo donned the white of Real Madrid.

“A battle, so to speak, in a sporting sense. A very beautiful one,” Messi remarked. “We mutually nourished each other because I think we’re both very competitive, and he always wanted to win everything and anything.”

Reflecting on the rivalry

Messi, who won seven of his eight Ballon d’Or titles while at Barcelona, added: “It was a very beautiful time for us and for everyone who loves football. I think he [Cristiano] deserves a lot of credit.

“As they say, the hard part is not getting there, it’s staying at the top. It was spectacular and a wonderful memory for everyone.”

From 2009 to 2018, when both stars battled it out in La Liga, football witnessed an era unlike any other.

El Clasico clashes between Barcelona and Real Madrid became must-watch global events, not only because of the team rivalry but due to the individual brilliance on display.

Between them, Messi and Ronaldo combined for more than 1,300 goals and 70 trophies and left behind a legacy that may never be equalled.

Although the Argentine now dazzles fans in the MLS with Inter Miami and Ronaldo continues to compete in the Saudi Pro League, the debate over who was better still rages on.

Yet Messi’s words show mutual admiration and respect, rather than rivalry. For him, the Messi-Ronaldo saga was not just about one-upmanship, it was about mutual growth, intensity, and a deep appreciation of elite-level competition.