This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Published on August 22, 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken about his rivalry with Lionel Messi, stating that it has made him a better player.
Portugal's star forward, who has won the Ballon d'Or five times, has been in a long-standing rivalry with Argentina's Messi, who has also won the coveted award five times.
"I really admire the career he has had and from his side, he has already talked of the disappointment when I left Spain because it was a rivalry that he appreciated," Ronaldo told TVI in Portugal.
He added that the rivalry is not unique, citing examples of Michael Jordan and Ayrton Senna, who also had healthy rivalries in their respective sports.
"I have no doubt that Messi has made me a better player and vice-versa. When I am winning trophies it must sting him and it's the same for me when he wins," he said.
Despite their intense rivalry, Ronaldo and Messi have maintained a professional relationship, with Ronaldo stating that they have never socialised together but do not see a problem with doing so in the future.
