Cristiano Ronaldo reveals what he really thinks of Lionel Messi - as Portuguese icon insists he's the 'most complete player ever' in GOAT debate
Cristiano Ronaldo reveals what he really thinks of Lionel Messi - as Portuguese icon insists he's the 'most complete player ever' in GOAT debate
Share:
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed what he thinks about his long-time rival Lionel Messi before insisting he is the most complete player in football history. The legendary pair remain the most decorated footballers on an individual level. While the Portuguese superstar has won five Ballon d'Ors, the Argentinian legend has crowned with the prize a record eight times. Now aged 39 and 37 respectively, Ronaldo and Messi have played in the same league for nine years - featuring for rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.
![[The legendary duo (left and centre) played against each in Spain for nine years until 2018]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/04/10/94840745-14358429-image-a-12_1738665715508.jpg)
In the twilight of his stunning career, the Al-Nassr forward has finally revealed what he thinks about the Argentinian, who is considered by many to be the best player in football's history. In an interview with Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, Ronaldo said: 'I have a good relationship with Leo Messi. I was translating him in English at an award ceremony too!. 'It was funny. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along.'.
![[They met last time in January 2023, in a match between Riyadh All Stars and Paris Saint-Germain in Saudi Arabia, when the Parisian club emerged as winners with a score of 5-4]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/04/10/94840741-14358429-image-a-13_1738665763005.jpg)
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed what he really thinks about his long-time rival Lionel Messi. The legendary duo (left and centre) played against each in Spain for nine years until 2018. They met last time in January 2023, in a match between Riyadh All Stars and Paris Saint-Germain in Saudi Arabia, when the Parisian club emerged as winners with a score of 5-4. In the goalscoring stakes, Ronaldo has a staggerting 923 career goals, 73 more than Messi.
The Portuguese is also Real Madrid's all-time goalscorer with 450 goals, followed by club legends Karim Benzema and Raul. And when quizzed whether he considers himself the best footballer ever, Ronaldo said: 'I think so, I honestly haven't seen anyone better than me. You have to look at the numbers full stop. 'I believe I am the most complete player who has ever existed. It's me. 'I do everything in football. I play well in terms of heading the ball, I'm good at free-kicks, I'm good with my left foot, I'm quick, I'm strong, I jump.
