Cristiano Ronaldo reveals admiration for Lionel Messi, states benefit of healthy rivalry

Cristia Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been widely regarded as best players in world over past decade and beyond. Despite  intense debate over  Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry, Cristia Ronaldo and Lionel Messi appear to have a great level of mutual respect for each or. Most recently, Cristia Ronaldo revealed his admiration for Barcelona captain Lionel Messi and touched upon how  Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry helped pair get best out of each or.

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Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry: Cristia Ronaldo adulation for Barcelona captain Lionel Messi

In a recent chat with RMC Sport, Cristia Ronaldo, who spent nine years with Real Madrid spoke on  healthy relationship he shares with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. Ronaldo and Messi were part of some incredible El Clasico battles in LaLiga. Since 2008, Cristia Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been all about awards and accolades with duo being awarded Ballon d'Or 11 times in past 12 years. Although Cristia Ronaldo has admitted that re is a rivalry with Barcelona star on a sporting level, he still has plenty of admiration towards his counterpart.

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Cristia Ronaldo compared his rivalry with Lionel Messi to one between F1 legends Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. 35-year-old Juventus forward stated that competitiveness with Lionel Messi is 'good' in sport because it always allows players to aim higher and keep competitive streak alive. best part of competition and comparison is that it's a 'healthy rivalry' with friction off pitch, he added. 

Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry: Cristia Ronaldo goals in Champions League

On European st, Cristia Ronaldo holds record for most number of goals in Champions League with 128 strikes to his name while Lionel Messi has scored 114. Ronaldo has also won five Champions League titles in comparison to Messi's four with Barcelona. Here are first 100 Cristia Ronaldo goals in UEFA Champions League:

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