Ronaldo says historic rivalry with Messi is ‘gone’

The debate over who’s the greatest footballer of all time between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will endure for generations. But, for the time being, the on-pitch rivalry is over.

“I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is gone,” Ronaldo said, according to ESPN’s Adriana Garcia. “It was good, spectators liked it.”

Ronaldo, 38, also noted that he and the Argentine great “changed the history of football” during their history-defining spells at Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi, and vice versa,” he said. “We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world; that’s the most important thing.”

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