With the announcement of the Ballon d’Or nominations, football fans were surprised to see Cristiano Ronaldo’s name missing from the list. After his move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Portugal’s disappointing performance in the World Cup, Ronaldo’s lack of achievements led to his absence in the nominations for the first time in two decades. On the other hand, Lionel Messi, despite his transfer to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, remains a top contender for the award due to his success in winning the World Cup. This marks a moment where the paths of these two legendary players are beginning to diverge after years of competing for top honors.
During a press conference ahead of Portugal’s Euro qualifiers, Ronaldo addressed the rivalry between himself and Messi, declaring that it is now over. “We are respected worldwide, and that’s what truly matters. He is forging his own path, and I am doing the same. He has been performing admirably, from what I have observed,” Ronaldo stated. “Our legacy lives on, but the intense competition between us has come to an end. Over the span of 15 years, we shared the spotlight and have evolved into, I wouldn’t say friends, but professional acquaintances who hold mutual respect for each other.”
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The days of Messi and Ronaldo battling it out in La Liga or the Champions League are now a thing of the past. With the only chance to see them face off being at the World Cup or Club World Cup, Messi is now making his mark post-World Cup victory in MLS, while Ronaldo is attracting more global stars to the Saudi Pro League as he continues to shape his own legacy.
Both of them have created unforgettable memories during their time in the field and have been part of some of the most iconic El Clasico matches. As they approach the later stages of their careers, they are now aiming to enhance their long-lasting influence on the international soccer scene by exploring new opportunities and setting new trends.
