Lionel Messi emerged from another massive game with a win wearing the Inter Miami shirt. After securing a 2-1 win against Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup, he took a seat to discuss one of sport's greatest-ever stories, his feud with Cristiano Ronaldo. And he did so as honestly and openly as possible.
He paid respect, tribute, and gratitude for what Cristiano continues to deliver at a high level, and ensured he clearly stated that all that intense rivalry between the two of them stayed on the field. That is, he gave a classy end to an era that defined soccer in a way in which few others ever have.
Recognition among two giants
Messi's emotions are those of an entire generation that witnessed the two grow and saw them win awards, beat records, and share the spotlight. "I have lots of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career that he established and continues to establish. He’s still at the top level. The rivalry with him was always on the pitch," he asserted.
That's a valid comment because it was placed in context. It wasn't a throwaway comment. It came on the back of Messi just having won another huge game and Cristiano Ronaldo just having scored a winner for himself, in the Nations League final against Spain.
Two careers which never lost momentum
Though at different times in their careers, they are still playing. Messi, 37, shines in MLS and remains the driving force behind Inter Miami. Cristiano, out of Europe's big leagues now, remains the pillar of Portugal and still reports for marquee matches. Neither took a cameo at the end of his career. And that is rare. Rare and admirable. On the pitch, they still perform well. Off the pitch, they are the face of resilience, professionalism, and dedication.
For years, the question was the same one: who's better, Messi or Cristiano? The response, of course, is simply a matter of taste, of what you like, of style. But one thing is sure,nobody played quite like them.
Soccer was lucky to have both of them simultaneously. They raised the bar. They made it so people would argue, compare, applaud. They provided people with memories. And they always did so without ever disrespecting the other.