Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s rivalry has defined the last 15 years of soccer history. The astounding fact about the duo’s rivalry is how they pushed each other to greater heights every year. Hence it’s no wonder that the duo have 12 Ballon d’Ors, 79 trophies, and over 1600 goals between them. However, with them at the fag end of their careers, plying their trade in the SPL and MLS, many soccer fans marked this move as the slow end to their rivalry. Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the same in his latest press conference.

Speaking ahead of the Euro qualifiers, the Al Nassr star urged his fans to stop hating his rival as the rivalry between them has come to a respectable end. The ex-Real Madrid talisman’s take on his iconic rivalry has since gone viral with many still processing the end of this iconic contention between the duo.

Cristiano Ronaldo officially confirms end of rivalry with Lionel Messi

Ahead of Portugal’s Euro Qualifiers against Slovakia, CR7 had a lengthy chat with the press for the first time in the last few months. One of the burning thoughts that’s been in soccer fans’ minds these days is the ending of the legendary Ronaldo-Messi rivalry. While many inside their heart know that Messi and Ronaldo not playing in Europe anymore marks the end of it, not many fans had the guts to say it out loud. However, CR7 in the press conference when quipped about this confirmed the end of the rivalry for the first time.

“Hatred? I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is gone,” said Ronaldo. “It was good, spectators liked it,” added the Al Nassr star looking back at their legacy. He then further delved into it by acknowledging that since they left Europe, the rivalry also lost its sting. Now, he is happy to see that both are doing well regardless.

“He’s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe,” accepted CR7. “From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that.”

After addressing the rivalry with Leo, Cristiano was soon quipped about his exploits in Saudi which saw him be the first soccer player to have scored 850 goals in his career. As expected, CR7 was humble and grateful for the achievement backed by his infectious ambition.

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CR7 is proud of himself for scoring 850 goals in his career

Last week, CR7 led Al Nassr to a decisive 5-1 victory over fellow SPL side Al-Hazm. While the victory marked Al Nassr’s impressive turnaround to winning ways after a shocking start to the league; the win was also special as his lone goal marked his 850th career goal.

Speaking in the press conference, the ex-Juventus striker first acknowledged the humongous achievement. “It’s a historic landmark,” said the 38-year-old. “For me, it was a source of pride the numbers I achieved, which I didn’t think I could reach. But I want more. While playing the game, the bar has to be high, thinking big,” concluded the Real Madrid legend with a dash of ambition.

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