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The Rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi Comes to an End

By Arthur Fernandes

MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 23: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid walk off pitch during La Liga match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on December 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 23: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid walk off pitch during La Liga match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on December 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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The fierce rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi that kept the soccer world on the edge for over a decade seems to have finally reached its epilogue. In a press conference during the preparations for the Euro Qualifiers, Cristiano Ronaldo stated that the competition between the two soccer icons has come to an end since both switched European clubs for new challenges.

For soccer aficionados, the Ronaldo-Messi rivalry was like an epic narrative unfolding before our eyes. Both players dominated the sport while representing rival clubs in Spain, Ronaldo at Real Madrid and Messi at Barcelona. Their clashes on the soccer field were intense and often decided championships and individual honors.

The story of these two soccer icons is filled with impressive achievements, awards, and records. Among them, they won 12 out of the 13 Best Player in the World awards distributed between 2008 and 2021. Ronaldo claimed it five times, while Messi took home the trophy seven times. Both accumulated domestic and international titles, shattered scoring records, and garnered the admiration of fans worldwide.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (2nd-L), Riyadh All-Star’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) and Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi (R) are pictured on the pitch during the Riyadh Season Cup football match between the Riyadh All-Stars and Paris Saint-Germain at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on January 19, 2023. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (2nd-L), Riyadh All-Star’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) and Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi (R) are pictured on the pitch during the Riyadh Season Cup football match between the Riyadh All-Stars and Paris Saint-Germain at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on January 19, 2023. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images) /

However, the recent change of scenery marks the end of an era. Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Messi ventured into Inter Miami in the United States. These moves signal a new chapter in both their careers, far from the European pitches where they authored most of their success stories.

Ronaldo’s words about the end of the rivalry are telling. He emphasizes that fans no longer need to pick sides or “hate” Messi just because they are his fans. The message is clear: both are exceptional players who have contributed immensely to the sport and deserve our respect.

The Ronaldo-Messi rivalry over the years elevated soccer to new heights. They pushed each other to surpass limits and achieve feats that seemed unattainable. Now, with this rivalry openly concluded, we can reflect on the privilege of having witnessed these two legends in action.

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia also deserves attention. His courage in becoming a “pioneer” in a developing league shows his determination to continue making history, not just for himself but also for global soccer. He is contributing to raising the level of the Saudi Pro League (SPL) and, in doing so, is opening doors for other renowned players.

As the Ronaldo-Messi rivalry dissolves, soccer continues to evolve, as do its protagonists. Ronaldo and Messi will follow separate paths, each with their own legacy. As soccer fans, we are grateful to have witnessed their extraordinary journey and eagerly anticipate what the future holds for these two soccer giants. The rivalry may have come to an end, but the admiration for their talent will endure for generations.

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