Lionel Messi has spoken about the rivalry he has had with five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo over the past few years.
This Monday in Paris, at the Théâtre de Châtelet, Lionel Messi received his eighth Ballon d’Or from David Beckham. Previous winner of the prize in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, the Argentinian has however shared the international stage over the last two decades with his greatest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. With the Portuguese, the two stars have won 13 best player of the season titles, proof of an unprecedented rivalry that football fans have been able to witness. And in his own words, the 2022 world champion really enjoyed this period.
“It was a very good battle, in quotes, on a sporting level. We fed off this rivalry mutually, because we are both great competitors. He also always wanted to win everything, it was a pleasant time to live for both of us and the people who love football. I think we deserve a lot of credit for being able to stay at the top for so long. (…) It’s very difficult to maintain at this level, and it’s spectacular”confided the Inter Miami striker in an interview with L‘Team.
