Messi has made me a better player, says Ronaldo
We are indeed blessed in witnessing two of football's GOATs in the form of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two superstars have had an intense rivalry over the years during their time in Spain playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Ronaldo, who moved to Juventus last season has now claimed that the Argentine has made him a better player.
Ronaldo showed his worth to the world while playing for Manchester United. He grew there as a player and developed into one of the best. After a stint at United, the Portuguese moved to Real Madrid in 2009. That's where the rivalry between him and Messi originated. Both players dominated the show for the next nine years respectively. It was a visual treat.
Ronaldo spent nine seasons at Real and amassed 450 goals in 438 matches. In the same period, Messi scored a staggering 472 goals for Barcelona. Both these players dominated European club football and won a host of laurels both individually and with their respective clubs. That's when the debate started on who is better. We should be privileged to see them both come good.
Ronaldo has scored 601 goals in 806 career club matches. Whereas, Messi has netted 614 goals in 719 games. Both have won the prestigious Ballon d'Or five times and it's been a long history of the two producing substance every single season.
"I have no doubt that Messi has made me a better player and vice-versa. When I am winning trophies it must sting him and it's the same for me when he wins. I have an excellent professional relationship because we have been sharing the same moments for 15 years," said the Juventus forward on his arch-rival.
Ronaldo stated that he respects and admires Messi. He also felt that the rivalry they shared was healthy in nature. "I really admire the career he has had and from his side, he has already talked of the disappointment when I left Spain because it was a rivalry that he appreciated. It's a good rivalry but it's not unique," added Ronaldo.
"We've never had dinner together but I don't see why we can't in the future. I don't see a problem with that," said Ronaldo.
Recently, Ronaldo, who has won the UEFA Champions League on five occasions, pointed out the difference between himself and Messi. "The difference with Messi is that I won the Champions League with different clubs. There aren't many players who won five Champions League trophies, so this is why I feel that I can identify myself with this tournament," he said to DAZN.
Ronaldo has won 27 trophies with the clubs that he has represented in his career. Messi has managed to win 34 trophies with Barcelona. But when it comes to the Champions League, Ronaldo (5) has one more than Messi (4), Both these players will be aiming to increase that tally with Juventus and Barca respectively. It remains to be seen how things shape up.
