Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football star, has officially declared an end to the long-standing rivalry between him and Argentine football sensation, Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo made this announcement during a press conference held before his national team’s training session in Oeiras, a suburb of Lisbon.

This declaration signifies the conclusion of a rivalry that has captivated football fans worldwide for 15 years.

Both Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the football scene since 2008 when Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or, followed by Messi’s first in 2009.

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During this period, only two other players, Luka Modric in 2018 and Karim Benzema in 2022, have managed to claim the prestigious individual football award.

Ronaldo expressed his perspective on the rivalry, stating, “I don’t see things like that; the rivalry is over. It was a healthy rivalry, and the spectators liked it a lot.

Whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi and vice versa, because they are both very good.” He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and recognition of their respective achievements.