Lionel Messi, regarded as one of the greatest soccer players ever, has one focus—to continue being the best, winning top trophies and individual awards. Like every other great athlete in history, he aspires to play alongside the best players.
Many wonder if Messi and his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo could ever share the field in this lifetime. While it is not close to happening anytime soon, given Ronaldo’s commitment to Al Nassr for many years, the idea seems favorable to Messi.
Messi’s stance on playing with Ronaldo
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo shared the pitch for more than a decade. They won all the best trophies and the best individual awards, and their rivalry was at it’s peak during their Barcelona-Real Madrid days.
Despite both of them being fierce rivals on the pitch, the idea of playing for the same team was not impossible for Lionel Messi to envision. Back in 2015, when they were both competing heavily, he was asked in an interview if he would play in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo.
He responded positively, “Yes, of course. I always like to play with the best, and he is one of them. I think it will be difficult for us to play in the same team, but obviously I would like to. I was lucky enough to play and participate with many very good players and, obviously, I would also like to do it with him.”
He did mention that both of them would encounter challenges playing on the same team, given their accustomed roles as the main players in their respective teams. Nevertheless, he still expressed his desire to play with Ronaldo one day, even during a time when they were direct competitors and rivals in every aspect.
Lionel Messi inspires Miami fans with optimistic promises for future
After winning the eighth Ballon d’Or award, he also spoke about Ronaldo. Lionel Messi recently presented the award to the Inter Miami fans at DRV Pink Stadium on Friday night, addressing a fully filled crowd. As he presented the trophy, he expressed gratitude to the fans before discussing his future ambitions with the club.
Messi’s arrival marked a drastic improvement for the team, culminating in their Leagues Cup title, a first in the club’s history. Despite his extensive soccer achievements, Messi demonstrated his hunger to win more.
No one like him. ✨ pic.twitter.com/z2WU0kmY1N
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 11, 2023
He said, “And today I have no doubts, just like in the beginning, that next year will be much better. We’re going to keep on having fun, keep on winning titles. And hopefully you join us like you did all these months I’ve been here because we really need your support. It was amazing having you close.”
“Like I said before, next year we have important things and we have to do it together. Thank you very much. Good night.”
Currently, Lionel Messi has no games with Inter Miami, though he will be part of Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifier matches.
