"For people that don't know" - When Iker Casillas spoke about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Last year, former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas waxed lyrical about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them, with Messi racking up eight.

Barcelona legend Messi played against Casillas 26 times. The goalkeeper spent just over half a decade playing alongside Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu, making 228 appearances together.

That period with Ronaldo assured Casillas about the Portuguese legend's hard work as he explained in an ESPN interview (via AllFootballApp):

"Cristiano always had huge desire to be the best, every since he was a boy and I believe he has achieved that. If I have to compare him to Messi, what Cristiano has done is more impressive because we all know the talent Messi has, but Cristiano was determined and worked hard to be the best.

"I feel we have been lucky to have been able to enjoy two phenomenal players. For people that don't know Cristiano, he can appear to be cocky and arrogant, but it's totally the opposite."

Ronaldo and Messi no longer play in Europe, with the Portuguese striker playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr while Messi does so in the USA with Inter Miami.

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When Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about an end to his Lionel Messi rivalry

In 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo said that his two-decade-long rivalry with Lionel Messi had come to an end. That came after the forward joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, while Messi went to Inter Miami in MLS.

The Portuguese legend admitted that their rivalry was "gone", explaining (via ESPN):

"I don't see things like that, the rivalry is gone. It was good. Spectators liked it.

"Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa. We've done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world. That's the most important thing."

Ronaldo continued:

"He's followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. From what I've seen, he's been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don't see the rivalry like that.

"We shared the stage many times. It was 15 years. I'm not saying we're friends. I've never had dinner with him, but we're professional colleagues, and we respect each other."

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Arab Club Champions Cup since his exit from Europe in December 2022. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, has led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup win in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024.