2023 Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has opened up on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi, who now laces his boots for America’s Major League Soccer side, Inter Miami, won his ninth Ballon d’Or on Tuesday.
Messi won the award ahead of Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain and not the usual Ronaldo contesting with him.
The 36-year-old was awarded following his exploits at the 2022 FIFA World Cup which he helped Argentina to win.
Messi, however, was asked about his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo after claiming his eighth award three more than his biggest rival.
He was asked by a journalist, “You have now won the eighth and you have three more than Cristiano Ronaldo. So is the competition over?”
The 36-year-old responded; “It was an epic competition between brackets. Athletically, he was very good and I think we benefited from each other because we are both very competitive and he also always wants to win over everyone and everything.
“I think it was a very beautiful period for us and for those who love football in general.
“What we have done all this time is very appreciable because as they say it is easy to reach the top but difficult to stay.
“We stayed at the top for ten or fifteen years, I’m not sure how many, and it was very difficult.
“It was very difficult to continue at this level and I think it was a great thing and a beautiful memory for everyone who enjoys football.”
