"It isn't easy" - When Lionel Messi commented on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo 

Lionel Messi was asked about his La Liga rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo during an interview in 2020. At the time, the Argentine still represented Barcelona, but his Portuguese rival had moved on from Real Madrid.

The 39-year-old striker decided to join Juventus in the summer of 2018 from the Santiago Bernabeu for a reported fee of €117 million. When asked about how it was competing with Ronaldo, Messi told Dazn Italia at the time (via ESPN):

"It was special and it was a duel that will remain forever as it went on for many years and it isn't easy to keep competing at the highest level for so long."

He added:

"More so in the two teams that we were at, so demanding as is Madrid and Barca, the best two in the world."

"Competing head to head for so many years will be remembered forever. The sporting rivalry between us was very nice on a personal level. I think that the fans also enjoyed it, be they Madrid or Barca supporters, and those who just like football in general will also have enjoyed it."

Both Messi and Ronaldo were great ambassadors for their respective Spanish outfits. While at Real Madrid, the latter of the two made 438 appearances across competitions, bagging 450 goals and 131 assists.

Meanwhile, Messi, who left Barcelona in 2021 for Paris Saint-Germain, featured in 778 outings for the Blaugrana, bagging 672 goals and 303 assists across competitions.

---

Manchester City star Rodri weighs in on Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Lionel Messi

Manchester City star Rodri was recently tasked with picking the better player between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spain international, too, knows what it takes to compete at the highest level and even managed to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

The Inter Miami superstar has been given the award eight times, on three more occasions than Ronaldo. Speaking to Spanish TV show El Hormiguero, Rodri said (via Express):

"I have no doubt, Messi. In the end, I always say it, Cristiano has managed to match Messi in many things, perhaps without the innate talent Leo has."

"In Cristiano's case, you didn't want him to step into the area. When he did, he was lethal. But Messi was dangerous everywhere on the pitch."

Both players are now nearing the end of their professional careers. While Messi plays his football in the MLS, Ronaldo represents Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.