Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how he feels about his long-time rivalry with Lionel Messi, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina last year.
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The 38-year-old was on media duty after meeting up with his international colleagues when he was asked about the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
While Messi and Ronaldo used to compete against one another in Spain, where they represented Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, the pair have maintained a cordial relationship.
The Al Nassr superstar has now suggested he does not even see the Argentine as his nemesis, stating that he and Messi "changed the history" of the sport.
"If you like Cristiano, you don't have to hate Messi," he said, according to Goal.
"The two changed the history of football and are respected. Rivalry? I don't see those things like that, we shared the stage for 15 years.
"I'm not saying we are friends but we respect each other."
Ronaldo and Portugal will be in action against Slovakia on Friday and Luxembourg next week Monday in 2024 UEFA European Championship qualifiers.
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Messi, meanwhile, has joined up with his Argentine teammates as the world champions prepare to take on Ecuador and Bolivia in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
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