Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two football giants, once rivals, now share mutual respect as they embark on new journeys in different football leagues. Explore their remarkable careers and Ronaldo’s impact on Saudi Arabia’s soccer scene.
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Cristiano Ronaldo Ends ‘Rivalry’ with Lionel Messi – A New Era
For years, football enthusiasts worldwide have debated the age-old question: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? The rivalry between these two legendary players has been a source of endless fascination and discussion. While some fans appreciate both, others staunchly support one side of the debate. However, in a surprising turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo himself has declared that the “rivalry” with Lionel Messi is no more.
The End of an Era
The narrative of Ronaldo versus Messi took an unexpected twist when both players departed their long-standing European clubs for new horizons. Cristiano Ronaldo embarked on a journey to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Lionel Messi found his new home with Inter Miami in the United States. In light of these moves, Ronaldo expressed his perspective on the rivalry.
“I don’t see things that way; the rivalry is gone. It was good, the fans liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi. They’re both very good; they changed football history,” stated the 38-year-old Ronaldo during a press conference as he prepared to represent Portugal in the European Championship qualifiers.
A Spanish Saga
The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi reached its zenith during their tenures at Spanish clubs. Cristiano Ronaldo donned the white jersey of Real Madrid, while Lionel Messi mesmerized Barcelona’s faithful. This period intensified the competition between the two players and their respective fan bases.
During their time in Spain, both athletes dominated the football landscape. Messi departed Barcelona with an impressive four Champions League titles to his name, while Ronaldo left Spanish football with five, including a remarkable three consecutive triumphs with Los Blancos from 2016 to 2018. Messi also accumulated ten LaLiga titles, with Ronaldo securing two of his own.
In terms of individual accolades, the duo clinched an astonishing 12 out of 13 Ballon d’Or awards awarded between 2008 and 2021. Ronaldo secured five, while Messi claimed seven.
Record-Breaking Goalscorers
Ronaldo and Messi’s rivalry extended beyond titles and awards; they consistently shattered goalscoring records. Messi left Barcelona with a staggering 672 goals in 778 games, while Ronaldo registered an astonishing 450 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid.
“We are respected throughout the world; it’s the most important,” Ronaldo affirmed. “He is following his path, I am following mine. He’s done well, from what I’ve seen. We carry on, the legacy continues, the rivalry – I don’t see it that way.”
Ronaldo further elaborated, saying, “I have said, we shared the stage for 15 years, and we ended up, I wouldn’t say friends, but we are colleagues and we respect each other.”
Pioneering in Saudi Arabia
In addition to discussing his personal journey, Ronaldo addressed the criticism aimed at the Saudi Pro League (SPL), where he currently plays for Al-Nassr. He acknowledged that criticism is part and parcel of football and asserted that no league is immune to it.
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Furthermore, Ronaldo credited himself with transforming the SPL and attracting other star players to join the league. “I knew, and I keep saying, everyone thought I was crazy… The crazy is not so crazy anymore,” he remarked. “It’s become normal to play in the Arab league.”
Since Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia, notable players like Neymar, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Marcelo Brozović have also made moves to the SPL.
“As an Al-Nassr player, I knew this was going to happen. It is a privilege to change the culture of a country and football; having big names makes me proud. I was a pioneer, and I am proud of that,” Ronaldo declared.
His final words encapsulated his ambition: “What I want is to continue to grow always; may it become world-class.”
The Ronaldo-Messi rivalry has evolved into mutual respect as both players enter new chapters in their illustrious careers. Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence on Saudi Arabian football is undeniable, and his journey continues to captivate the footballing world.
