Cristiano Ronaldo says he and Lionel Messi “changed football history” but their rivalry is now over.

Real Madrid and Barcelona often faced each other in Spain’s La Liga, where they are considered all-time greats.

A team like ours is respected all over the world, and that’s the most important thing,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo, the five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, has been left off the shortlist for the first time since 2003, while Messi might win it for the eighth time.

Ronaldo, 38, who plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, said, “He makes his way, and I make mine. He’s done well, from what I can see. It’s about continuing, it’s about the legacy continuing.”

According to him, Messi isn’t hated by those who like Cristiano Ronaldo. I don’t see the rivalry in that way.

Despite the rivalry, the spectators liked it. We shared the stage for 15 years and ended up becoming, not friends, but professional colleagues that respect each other.”

As a pair, the record-breaking pair have won many of the sport’s most prestigious awards.

During a nine-year spell at the Bernabeu, Ronaldo scored 451 goals in 438 appearances and won 16 trophies including four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, and two Copas del Reys.

A total of 674 goals and 781 appearances have been scored by Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in the United States.

During his time with the club, the 36-year-old won 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and seven Copa del Rey titles.

Messi and Ronaldo have won European Championships and Nations Leagues on the international stage, while Messi won the 2022 World Cup and Copa America with Argentina.

Ronaldo and Messi have faced each other 36 times on the pitch. The last time was in January, when Messi beat Ronaldo’s Riyadh Season XI 5-4.