Lionel Messi has often been asked about his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, given that both players have been at the pinnacle of world football for over a decade. While there has been significant media hype around their rivalry, Messi has generally expressed respect for Ronaldo and downplayed any personal animosity between them.

Here are a few key things Messi has said about his rivalry with Ronaldo:

1. Mutual Respect

Messi has frequently mentioned that he respects Ronaldo for his talent and achievements, and he never saw their rivalry as something negative or hostile. In interviews, he’s emphasized that they pushed each other to improve, but it was always a matter of healthy competition.

Example:
“I have always said that the rivalry with Ronaldo was good because it motivated us both to keep improving. There was no problem with him or with me. We were both competing at the highest level for many years, and that was great for football.”

2. No Personal Rivalry

Messi has often stressed that the media exaggerated the rivalry. While they were both competing for the same individual awards (like the Ballon d’Or) and success with their clubs, Messi said that he never had a personal issue with Ronaldo.

Example:
“I don’t think it was a rivalry. The rivalry was created by the press. I never thought of it that way. There was no conflict between me and Ronaldo. We both worked hard, and we both had our individual paths.”

3. Ronaldo’s Influence on His Career

Messi has acknowledged that having Ronaldo as a direct competitor for so many years made him more determined to achieve even greater things. He said that their consistent battles for supremacy helped both players stay at the top of their game for an extended period.

Example:
“It was nice to have someone like Ronaldo who was pushing you every year. It was important because, at the end of the day, we were both competing for the same things, and that helped us evolve as players.”

4. On the Media’s Role in Their Rivalry

Messi has stated on numerous occasions that he doesn’t focus much on the narrative created by the media around him and Ronaldo. For Messi, the most important thing was always his football and his team’s success, not comparing his achievements to Ronaldo’s.

Example:
“I don’t get caught up in all the talk about me and Cristiano. For me, the important thing has always been my team and my own achievements, not what the media says about a rivalry.”

5. Not Focused on the Ballon d’Or Race

Messi has often downplayed the significance of the Ballon d’Or and his rivalry with Ronaldo in that context, stating that he was more focused on winning trophies for his team, rather than competing with Ronaldo for individual awards.

Example:
“I never played to win individual trophies. I played for the team and for the joy of the game. If I win awards, it’s because of my team, not because of any rivalry with Cristiano.”

6. Complimenting Ronaldo’s Work Ethic

Messi has spoken about Ronaldo’s dedication to improving his game, noting that Ronaldo’s work ethic was a key part of his success. While they may have different styles of play, Messi has acknowledged that Ronaldo’s commitment to his craft is something he admired.

Example:
“Ronaldo’s physical condition is extraordinary, and his mentality is incredible. I admire how hard he works to maintain his level and push himself year after year.”