Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have long been regarded as the two greatest players of all time.
Both have been at the top of the footballing hierarchy for the best part of 15-20 years, but now with one playing in the MLS and the other in the Saudi Pro League, the chances of them ever playing in the same team together is very slim.
The closest they ever came to playing together was when Al Nassr tried to bring Messi to the club along with Ronaldo, however, the former chose to join Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi makes huge Cristiano Ronaldo admission
Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry when the two were playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
Between them both, they both won 13 Ballon d’Or titles and it was while the pair were at the peak of their powers in 2015, when Messi admitted that he could envisage himself and Ronaldo playing on the same team together – even if it would be a tall order.
Speaking in 2015, he said: “I always like to play with the best, and he is one of them. I think it will be difficult for us to play in the same team, but obviously I would like to.
“I was lucky enough to play and participate with many very good players and, obviously, I would also like to do it with him.”
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Lionel Messi reveals if he would pass the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo
Although both players have been fortunate enough to be a part of great teams, Messi and Ronaldo were of course the stars of the show.
But how would the pair work together if in the same team? Thankfully, Messi admitted that he wouldn’t avoid passing to the Portuguese star.
He told Mundo Deportivo: “If we played together I think I would pass the ball to him, yes … Real without Ronaldo has lost many goals, but it was obvious it would happen.
“Not only goals, but Cristiano also brings many other things. If a team loses a player who scored 50 goals per season, it’s noticeable. Real Madrid has great players, but Cristiano scores 50 goals per season.”
Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on relationship with Lionel Messi
Being rivals on the pitch can sometimes affect a relationship off it.
For Messi and Ronaldo, the two helped to bring the best out of each other and the former Manchester United man once said he hoped he can have dinner with the 2022 World Cup winner.
During an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said: “We have shared the stage 15 years. I don’t know if that’s happened before — the same two guys on the same stage all the time. Of course, we have a good relationship.
“We haven’t had dinner together yet, but I hope in the future. We had that battle in Spain. I pushed him and he pushed me as well. So it’s good to be part of the history of football.”
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