Lionel Messi reflects on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘It was a golden era’

For over a decade, the global soccer landscape was defined by a single, transcendent rivalry: Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo. From La Liga classics to Champions League showdowns and annual Ballon d’Or debates, their battle for supremacy captivated fans across the world and raised the standards of the game to unprecedented levels.

Now in the twilight of his career, Messi has taken a moment to look back on that legendary chapter. In a recent interview highlighted by @ballondor on X, the Argentine icon shared his appreciation for the intensity and greatness of their competition, recognizing it as a defining feature of modern soccer history.

“It’s always been a great battle, in sporting terms,” Messi said. “I think we’ve fed off each other with this rivalry, because we were both great competitors. He too always wanted to win everything all the time.”

Messi-Ronaldo: Mutual respect after years of fierce competition

Between 2008 and 2023, Messi and Ronaldo combined to win the Ballon d’Or an astonishing 13 times, dominating the individual accolade like no duo ever had before. When asked by a reporter to reflect on having three more Ballon d’Or trophies than Ronaldo, who sits second in the all-time rankings, Messi offered a balanced and respectful view.

“The battle is over now… but it was a golden era for us and for every soccer fan,” he explained. “We deserve a lot of credit for staying at the top for so long. Because, as they say, it’s easy to get there. What’s difficult is staying there.” Their rivalry, while heated on the pitch, was always marked by a deep mutual respect—one that lifted both players and defined an era.

Legacy beyond the numbers

Indeed, the greatness of Messi and Ronaldo transcends individual honors. For nearly 15 years, their consistent brilliance forced one another—and the rest of the soccer world—to evolve. Whether it was Messi’s vision and balance or Ronaldo’s physicality and relentlessness, each brought something unique to the table that made every Clasico, final, or international tournament richer.

“We stayed at the top for ten, fifteen years, I don’t know… It was spectacular and remains a great memory for everyone,” Messi added, closing the chapter with humility and a nod to the fans who lived the journey with them.