Cristiano Ronaldo responds to Ballon d’Or snub after Messi’s nomination
Cristiano Ronaldo says his rivalry with Lionel Messi is ‘over’ after he was snubbed for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.
The list of 30 players was announced earlier which included the likes of Messi, Haaland, De Bryune and Salah. However, Ronaldo was not included in the list for the first time since 2003.
The duo have been battling out for the prestigious trophy for almost a decade now. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award seven times, whereas Ronaldo has won it five times.
Moreover, after he moved to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in January, his chances of winning the award decreased drastically. Furthermore, his eternal rival Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar last year.
Ronaldo has now claimed that his rivalry with Lionel Messi which peaked when the duo were playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona, is now over.
Cristiano Ronaldo: My rivalry with Lionel Messi ‘over’
“I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is gone,’ Ronaldo said. ‘It was good, spectators liked it.
“Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi and vice versa. We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football.
“We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing. He’s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe.
“From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.”
