Al Nassr forward Ronaldo disclosed that the rivalry between him and his counterpart and fiercest competitor, Lionel Messi, is now gone, following his omission in the 30-man list for the 2023 Ballon d’or, most prestigious individual award in men football.
“We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing,”.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has been left off the shortlist for the first time since 2003, while Messi could win it for the eighth time.
“He makes his way, I make mine. He’s done well, from what I’ve seen. It’s about continuing, the legacy continues,” added 38-year-old Ronaldo, who now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr.
“Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi. I don’t see the rivalry like that.
“The rivalry is gone. It was good, the spectators liked it. We shared the stage for 15 years and ended up being, I’m not saying friends, but we are professional colleagues, and we respect each other.”
For the first time in 20 years, Cristiano Ronaldo has missed out on the shortlist for the award. Meanwhile, his counterpart Lionel Messi is in the list.
Ronaldo has won the award for a record 5 times, once with Manchester United and four while at Real Madrid. Lionel Messi, after guiding Argentina to the World Cup in Qatar, has posed to be a strong favourite – a feat that could see him win it for the eighth time and the most by any player in history.
