If you like me, you don’t have to hate Messi: Ron

Portugal star puts his long-standing rivalry with Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain in perspective

Cristiano Ronaldo is in a reflective mood as he brings up 20 years in Portugal’s national team, insisting that he and his great rival Lionel Messi ‘changed the history of football’ and that he still wants to raise the bar at the age of 38. Ronaldo’s debut for Portugal was in August 2003 and two decades later, the most prolific scorer in men’s internationals—with 123 goals in a record 200 games—will be playing for the team in a European Championship qualifier at Slovakia.

‘Proud of my numbers’

“I am proud of the numbers I reached. But, I want more,” Ronaldo said. “When I play, the bar has to be up here, I want to think big.” On his rivalry with Argentina’s reigning World Cup-winning captain Messi, 36, Ronaldo added: “If you like Cristiano Ronaldo, you don’t have to hate Messi. We are both very good. We changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world. That’s the most important thing. He has marked his path, I have marked mine.”

The stylish striker further clarified that the two global giants of the game are not necessarily friends. “Our legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other,” said Ronaldo.

Also read: Ronaldo named in Portugal squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers

Speaking about his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo insisted it was not a surprise move at all. “I knew this was going to happen. I said it six months ago and everyone thought I was the crazy one. But, after all, the crazy guy is not that crazy, and it turns out to be normal to play in the Arab league,” he said in obvious reference to the host of international stars, who have descended upon the Arabian gulf following his much talked about move.

‘Privilege to play in Saudi’

“It was a great privilege for me to change the culture of a country through football and to have great stars go to Saudi Arabia. I was the pioneer, and I am proud of it. What I want most is to continue to always evolve, so that the Arab league is top notch,” he concluded. Portugal have won all four of its group games and is two points ahead of second-place Slovakia.

Messi, Haaland lead Ballon d’Or nominees

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are among the leading contenders to win this year’s men’s Ballon d’Or, while Spain World Cup star Aitana Bonmati leads the women’s nominees, announced on Wednesday. Messi is in with a chance of succeeding Karim Benzema and winning the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last year.

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