Cristiano Ronaldo surprised to speak publicly about the possibility of playing in the same team as Lionel Messi, His great sports rival for more than a decade. In a press conference from Munich prior to the final of the Nations League between Portugal and Spainthe Portuguese star left a door open that many thought closed forever.
“It’s difficult, but I have a lot of love for Argentina – my woman is Argentina – and I never say about this water I will not drink,” said Ronaldo, from 40 yearsbeing consulted by an Argentine journalist about the possibility of coinciding with Messi in the same club.
From historical rivalry to mutual respect between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi
Ronaldo referred to Messi, with whom he shared the stage in multiple galas of the Golden Ballin which both distributed the prize in ten consecutive occasions between 2008 and 2017.
“I also have a lot of affection for Messi. At first he didn’t speak anything of English and I translated him into the Golden Ball when they explained what we had to do,” he recalled with nostalgia.
These statements contrast with the sports rivalry that marked an era in world football, especially during their years facing Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
A Christian-messi duo on the horizon?
Although Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged that he sees it difficultHe did not close the door to the idea. In addition, he commented that he received Argentine team invitations To dispute the new Club World Cupwhich feeds speculations.
“I have had invitations to play the Club World Cup in Argentina. I never say about this water I will not drink. I never went to Argentina, but I want to go, I have a lot of love for the Argentines,” he added.
With Messi currently at Inter Miami and Ronaldo in Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabiaan eventual union does not seem imminent, but his words show that respect has overcome competition.
The Golden Ball and the Shared Legacy
Ronaldo also said that the Golden Ball has lost relevancearguing that there is no clear consensus like when he and Messi dominated world football.
“Now there is no unanimity. Before we were Messi.
Reunion in the future?
Although he stressed that “I am 40 years old,” Cristiano Ronaldo did not rule out what a Dream for millions of football fans: See him play with Lionel Messi before they both retire.
“I never say. Time is there. We’ll see what happens.”
