Cristiano Ronaldo claims Lionel Messi rivalry is ‘gone’ after Ballon d’Or snub

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed his long-standing rivalry with Lionel Messi is ‘gone’ after the Portuguese superstar was snubbed for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.

A total of 30 stars have been nominated for the prestigious trophy this year, which is handed annually to the best player in world football.

Messi and Ronaldo have been battling it out for the Ballon d’Or for well over a decade with the Argentine being awarded the trophy a record seven times.

Ronaldo has five Ballon d’Or trophies but the 38-year-old, who now plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, was not named among the 30 nominees for 2023.

Lionel Messi’s Heroics in Qatar

Inter Miami star Messi made the list following his heroics in Qatar last year after the 36-year-old played a key role in Argentina wining the World Cup.

But Ronaldo claims his long rivalry with Messi – which peaked when the duo were playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively – has officially come to an end.

Rivalry is Gone

‘I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is gone,’ Ronaldo said. ‘It was good, spectators liked it. We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing. 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 and Lionel Messi’s Legacy

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been two of the greatest footballers of all time and their rivalry has been one of the most talked about in sports history. They have both won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and have been instrumental in their respective teams winning numerous trophies over the years.

Their legacy will live on long after they have retired from football and their influence on the game will be remembered for generations to come.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s rivalry may be over but their legacy will live on forever. They have both had an incredible impact on football and their influence will be remembered for generations to come.

The two superstars have changed the history of football and will be respected all over the world for years to come.