The rivalry between two great stars in the football world - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - has not ceased for 20 years. Comparisons between them, debates, and discussions among fans are still heated today.
Cristiano Ronaldo, forward for the Portugal national team and Al-Nassr, recently gave an interview to renowned journalist Piers Morgan on the same topic.
During the interview, the journalist asked him, "Many people say Messi is better than you, what do you think about this opinion?" Ronaldo responded sharply to this question:
"I don't agree with this. I've never been worse than Messi. I won't be modest in this regard. Each of us went our own way, we made history with our own style and records. But in my career, I spoke not just with words, but with results," said the Portuguese star.
As football fans know, their rivalry reached its peak during the years of the Spanish championship. At that time, Messi played for Barcelona, while Ronaldo was Real Madrid's star player. The El Clásico clashes of this period became the most anticipated events in the world of sports.
Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times for Barcelona and several times in Europe's most prestigious competition, the Champions League. The Argentinian star made history as a world champion and Copa America winner.
In his unique career, Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or five times, won the Champions League four times with Real Madrid, and won the European Championship and the Nations League with Portugal. He is also a champion at club level in the championships of Spain, England and Italy, and is one of the only stars to leave his mark in every country.
During their careers, the two players were equal not only in achievements but also in personal records. Ronaldo has scored over 950 goals so far, while Messi has scored close to 890. The number of assists for both of them is also a world record.
At the same time, according to Ronaldo, this competition made football more beautiful and interesting:
"I respect Messi. He is a very big player. But I did my job, set my own records. We both left an important mark on the history of football. So, who is the best - time will tell."
Currently, 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is still in top form. His physical fitness and goal-scoring efficiency are still at a high level.
Lionel Messi is currently playing for Inter Miami in the US MLS. The fact that he started a new stage in US football with his team is now highly appreciated by many experts.
Thus, the comparison of the two stars will be discussed for years to come. One thing is clear: both Ronaldo and Messi are world stars who have changed football history and inspired entire generations.
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