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They defined El Clásico’s rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona for the past decade, but Cristiano Ronaldo said he has always gotten along well with Lionel Messi and never saw him as a rival.
Ronaldo, who now plays for Juventus, scored two penalties to help the Italian champions secure a 3-0 win over Messi’s Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.
It was the first meeting between Ronaldo and Messi since the Portuguese forward left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018. Between them, the pair have won the Ballon d’Or in 11 of the last 12 years.
“I have always had a cordial relationship with Messi,” Ronaldo told Movistar. “As I said before, for 12, 13, 14 years [I have been] sharing prizes with him.
“I never saw him as a rival. He always did what was best for his team and I did what was best for mine. I always got on well with him. I’m sure he will say the same if you ask him.”
“But we know that in soccer, people are always looking for a rivalry to create more excitement.”
Ronaldo hopes the victory will provide an “injection of confidence” for Juventus, which is currently fourth in the Italian Serie A standings.
Barcelona are also looking to bounce back from a below par start to their national league campaign.
“Messi is the same as always [on the pitch]”Ronaldo said.” Barcelona is in a difficult moment, but it is still Barça. I’m sure they will come out of it. All the teams have bad streaks, but Barcelona is a very good team. “
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