Lionel Messi talks special duel with Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi claims that his special competitive relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo will remain forever despite the Portuguese’s move to Juventus

Gone are the days when millions of football fans around the world wait every season for the much-awaited clash between Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and former Real Madrid superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo. Now the only time the two legends of the sport would ever crash is if Barcelona and Juventus face each other during their Champions League campaign.

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Regardless of the fact that they don’t have their famous battles like during their La Liga days, Leo still believes that his special relationship with the Portuguese will remain forever in the minds of the millions watching despite the latter’s move to Serie A side.

The two global superstars not only dominated La Liga but also world football, with the two giants battelling for the Ballon d’Or award for the last 12 years, with the exception of Luka Modric’s win in 2018. They shared the La Liga stage from 2009 until 2018, when Ronaldo made a surprise move to the Italian club.

The two have publically shown their affection and respect for this intense rivalry that has existed for almost the entirety of their respective careers. The Argentine believes that this long-fought battle will never be forgotten and would surely continue despite them not having a regular clash.

"“It was a duel that will last forever because it went on for many years, and it isn’t easy to keep at your highest level for so long – especially at those two clubs we were at, which were so demanding, in Madrid and Barca, the best in the world,” Messi told La Liga on DAZN“Competing head to head for so many years will be remembered forever. The sporting rivalry between us was very nice on a personal level. I think that the fans also enjoyed it, be they Madrid or Barca supporters, and those who just like football will also have enjoyed it.”Source Goal"

The Argentine ace won his record-breaking sixth Ballon d’Or last year to beat his rival who has five of his own. The two have openly spoken up about the benefits of having such rivalry which drives both the athletes to perform at their highest levels on a regular basis. During the 9 years they shared in Spain, Messi managed to score 472 goals in 476 matches while the Portuguese international struck 450 goals in 438 appearances.

Leo during his interview spoke about the fond memories he made in each of his clashes against the Los Blancos when Cristiano was playing for them.

"“When Cristiano was at Madrid, games against them [Real Madrid] were always special, because of what those games mean, made it much more special, but those times are behind us and things go on.”"

Next. What to expect from Barcelona’s new manager Quique Setien. dark

Do you miss the days when the two Legends collided during El Clasico?

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