Gerard Pique opens up on his experiences with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, revealing candid truths.
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has offered a candid reflection on his experiences playing alongside Lionel Messi and facing Cristiano Ronaldo, two of football’s greatest icons. Speaking recently, Pique described Ronaldo as “complete in everything” and admitted that competing against him was always complicated.
Pique and Ronaldo first shared a dressing room at Manchester United between 2004 and 2008, before becoming fierce rivals in Spain’s LaLiga. Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid in 2009 set the stage for a decade of intense battles against Pique’s Barcelona, with the pair meeting in domestic competitions, the UEFA Champions League, and even on the international stage with their respective national teams.
Looking back, Pique acknowledged the difficulty of defending against Ronaldo, praising his all‑round qualities. “Cristiano? He was complete in everything. A true football machine. It was very complicated to play against Cristiano. He had it all: right foot, left foot, aerial play, penalties, free kicks, power, speed… absolutely everything. He was perfectly built,” Pique said in comments carried by Madrid Xtra.
Despite Ronaldo’s formidable skill set, Pique often had the upper hand in their encounters. The two faced each other 33 times across club and country, with Pique winning 18 of those meetings compared to Ronaldo’s seven. The record reflects Barcelona’s dominance during that era, when Messi spearheaded a side that consistently edged their rivals.
While Pique praised Ronaldo’s relentless drive and professionalism, he has been clear in his verdict on the long‑running GOAT debate. In a 2024 appearance on John Nellis’ YouTube channel, Pique explained that although Ronaldo worked tirelessly to compete at the highest level, Messi’s natural talent sets him apart. “Well, it’s true that the fight between them two in the last decade was quite impressive because both of them did incredibly well. I think that in terms of talent, Messi is number one, for sure,” he said.
Pique pointed to Messi’s performances at the 2022 World Cup as proof of his enduring brilliance, noting how the Argentine continued to shine at 35 years old. He also highlighted Messi’s record eight Ballon d’Or awards, compared to Ronaldo’s five, as evidence of his unmatched legacy. For Pique, Messi remains the ultimate player, combining artistry, consistency, and decisive moments that define football history.
Although Pique has retired, Ronaldo continues to play for Al‑Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, while Messi’s influence endures globally. Together, their rivalry remains one of the defining narratives of modern football.