However, Messi stressed that his relationship with Ronaldo was always respectful and good-natured. The two superstars rarely crossed paths outside of matches and award ceremonies, and when they did, they maintained a positive rapport.

Messi and Ronaldo are now at different stages of their careers, but Messi looks back on their rivalry as a natural and beautiful aspect of the football world. He believes that their competition pushed both players to excel and raised the bar for the sport as a whole.