Ronaldo showed his respect for Messi: He is incredible, a real magician (video) – Football World – France
Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken rather flatteringly of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, placing him among the best footballers in history, alongside Zinedine Zidane. The Portuguese did so in the second part of his lengthy interview with journalist Piers Morgan.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner went on to criticize Manchester United and manager Erik ten Haag, but also touched on a number of other topics. The 37-year-old striker’s intention is to play until the age of 40, having said he would retire from the national team if Portugal win the World Cup, as well as revealing his relationship with Messi.
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the sport for more than 15 years, motivating each other to greater achievements.
Messi and Ronaldo are said to not have a very close relationship, which would be understandable given that their best years were at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Ronaldo has confirmed that the two have never been close, but has huge respect for the Argentina international.
“He is an amazing footballer. Wizard. Top. We have been sharing the stage with him for 16 years now. Can you imagine, 16 years! Our relationship is wonderful. We are not friends, we don’t visit each other and we don’t talk on the phone. But as a competitor, he’s someone I have a lot of respect for. I also like how he talks about me. Even our wives also have mutual respect. Both are from Argentina. What can I say about Messi? He’s a great guy who does amazing things in football.”
“The best player you’ve ever seen? Excluding yourself?”
Piers Morgan asks Cristiano Ronaldo his true feelings about Lionel Messi as a player and a person.
Watch live: https://t.co/ajbahBvQpp@cristiano | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #90MinutesWithRonaldo | #PMU pic.twitter.com/sj5q1VeuLs
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 17, 2022
Asked by Morgan if Messi was the best player he had ever seen, Ronaldo replied:
“Him and Zidane”.
Morgan asked Ronaldo if he would have dinner with Messi, to which he replied:
“Of course, I love meeting new people and sharing new things.”
There appears to be no turning back for Ronaldo at Old Trafford following the criticism he has leveled at the team, but he has announced he has no plans to retire from the sport any time soon.
“I want to play two more years, maybe three. This is the maximum. I want to graduate at 40. That’s a good age. But I don’t know, I can’t see into the future. Sometimes you plan one thing and life decides something else. Life is dynamic and you never know what will happen.”
“I want to play 2-3 years more.”
Cristiano Ronaldo tells Piers Morgan he’d like to hang up his football boots at 40 – plus he denies being the reason Tom Brady came out of retirement.@cristiano | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #90MinutesWithRonaldo | #PMU pic.twitter.com/encoKB268p
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 17, 2022
