Cristiano Ronaldo Says He Never Saw Lionel Messi as a Rival After UCL Match

Joan Monfort/Associated Press

For years, one of the biggest debates in world soccer centered around whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi was the better player.

Following Juventus’ 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, Ronaldo downplayed any competitive rivalry with Messi on the pitch, per ESPN FC’s Samuel Marsden: 

“I have always had a cordial relationship with Messi. As I have said before, for 12, 13, 14 years [I have been] sharing prizes with him.

“I never saw him as a rival. He always tried the best for his team and I tried the best for mine. I always got on well with him. I am sure he will say the same if you ask him.

“But we know in football people always look for a rivalry to create more excitement.”

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.

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