Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he has never seen Lionel Messi as a rival, following Juventus’ convincing victory over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Ronaldo scored two goals from the penalty spot and Weton McKennie also scored, to help Juventus beat Barca 3-0 at the Camp Nou and win first place in Group G.
Messi had 11 shots – seven of them in the goal frame, while Ronaldo used his two penalty options in their first encounter since 2018, when the Portuguese left Real Madrid.
Ronaldo, who briefly hugged Messi before the match, said there is no rivalry between the two biggest players in football.
“I have always had a friendly relationship with him. With him I shared 12, 13 or 14 years through awards ceremonies. I never saw him as a rival.” Ronaldo said after the match.
“He always tries to do the best for his team, just like me. I always had a good time with him. But we know that in football, rivalry is required for the press and to make a show, but I have always had a good time with it.”, underlined the Portuguese.
