Cristiano Ronaldo claims Messi was never his rival after Juventus beat Barcelona

Cristiano Ronaldo claims Messi was never his rival after Juventus beat Barcelona

- Cristiano Ronaldo has settled the argument about his rivalry with Lionel Messi

- The 35-year-old scored a brace as Juventus went past Barcelona at the Camp Nou

- It was the first Ronaldo would score against La Blaugrana in the elite competition

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Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he and Lionel Messi are not rivals, following Juventus Champions League over Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

The Portuguese superstar scored two penalties in each half of the game as Weston McKennie added to the margin to hand the Bianconeri a famous 3-0 win.

And it was the first time CR7 would score against Barcelona in the Champions League in his sixth meeting with the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo claims Messi was never his rival after Juventus beat Barcelona
Cristiano Ronaldo claims Messi was never his rival after Juventus beat Barcelona. Photo by Daniele Badolato and David Ramos
Source: Getty Images

However, the former Real Madrid star scored 134 goals in the elite competition from 174 matches.

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Juve went through as Group G leaders and claimed bragging rights over their Spanish rivals after losing the first leg to La Blaugrana.

Despite having 11 shots on the night, Messi could not find the back of the net as nine of them went on target and Gianluigi Bufon made a couple of saves.

Ronaldo and Messi who share 11 Ballon d'Or awards between them, embraced each other shortly before kick-off.

Ronaldo told Movistar as quoted by Goal:

"I have always had a very cordial relationship with him.
"I shared 12, 13 or 14 years of award ceremonies with him. I never saw him as a rival.
"He always tries to do what is best for his team and me too. I always got along very well with him.
"But we know that in football, for the press, for the show, a rivalry is sought, but I have always gotten along well with him. I see him as always."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will come face-to-face for the first time in two years when Juventus take on Barcelona in the Champions League.

And hundreds of Barca fans gathered outside the hotel the Bianconeri stars were lodge just to catch a glimpse of Ronaldo as he stepped off the team bus.

Supporters greeted Ronaldo with his iconic 'siuuu' which often geared by the fans whenever he scores.

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Authors:
Akan Anwankwo avatar

Akan Anwankwo Akan Anwankwo is a sports editor, a graduate of English Language and Literature Studies at the University of Lagos. He's passionate about what he does and finds fulfillment in informing readers.