Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed one of the greatest rivalries in football history, lasting for more than a decade. The duo dominated not only LaLiga but also world football.
Now, in the twilight of their careers, Messi fondly recalled the yesteryears and stated that it was an unforgettable time.”It was a very nice stage for everyone. For the people and for us. We fed off each other because we are both very competitive. He wanted to win everything,” Messi was quoted as saying by Marca. “It’s very impressive what we did for so long. As they say, it’s easy to get there but difficult to stay there. We stayed at the top for 10 or 15 years. It’s a nice memory for everyone,” he added.Earlier, Ronaldo had also spoken about his legendary rivalry with Messi.”The rivalry is over,” Ronaldo said. “It was good, a healthy rivalry that spectators liked a lot. Whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi or vice versa because they’re both very good. They changed the history of football, and they keep on doing it.””We are respected throughout the world, that’s the most important thing. He makes his way, I make mine, even if we are playing outside Europe. He has done well, from what I’ve seen, and so have I. It’s about continuing. The legacy continues. The rivalry, I don’t see things like that. I’ve already said, we’ve shared the stage for 15 years and we ended up being, I wouldn’t say friends, because I never dined with him, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other.”For fans, though, the debate about who is the true GOAT will rumble on forever.