Has Cristiano Ronaldo finally accepted Messi is the GOAT?

For over 15 years, football fans have been treated to some great entertainment between footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

After Ronaldo’s first Ballon D’or winner in 2008, the two started breaking record after record. They are widely regarded as the two greatest footballers of time and undoubtedly the greatest of their era.

Their rivalry became heated after Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009 which is the bitter rival of Barcelona where Messi was at the time.

Opinion as to the GOAT is usually comes down to personal choice but statistically, Messi edges out the Portuguese.

Having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there is no doubt that the Inter Miami captain completed football.

Speaking to the press ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifiers, Ronaldo said that it was a good rivalry but it’s now gone. And anyone who loves Cristiano doesn’t have to hate Messi.

The 5 time Ballon D’or winner added that he’s seen how Messi is doing well in the US just as he’s also doing in the Saudi Pro League.

Therefore their legacies shall continue and live on but not the rivalry as they closed that chapter.

The rivalry is gone, but it was a good rivalry. The spectators enjoyed it a lot. But those who like Cristiano, don’t need to hate Messi and vice-versa. We both changed football history and we will still change…”

“We are respected all over the world and it’s the most important thing. He is following his path as I follow mine, doesn’t matter if we play outside of Europe

I’ve seen that he has been doing well and I’ve been doing things well too. The legacy continues, but not the rivalry X

“I don’t see things like this. For 15 years we shared the stage and we became…I wouldn’t say friends because we never had dinner together, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.”