In the wake of Lionel Messi’s record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or win on Monday night, Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram, but not in the way many expected. Despite their legendary rivalry on the football pitch, Ronaldo chose not to offer his congratulations to Messi via social media.
Instead, the 38-year-old Portuguese superstar liked and commented on a video featuring Tomas Roncero of Diario AS, who criticized the voting process for the Ballon d’Or awards.
“Hello friends. What we knew has happened. They were going to give another Ballon d’Or to Messi,” said Roncero in the video.
“He went to retire at Miami, but he was already looking retired at PSG to prepare for the World Cup. He won the World Cup, yes, well, but with 6 penalties in their favor.
“The World Cup was 10 months ago, we’re in November. Messi has eight Ballon d’Ors. Well, he should have five – he has the Ballon d’Ors of [Andres] Iniesta and Xavi, [Robert] Lewandowski who won six trophies in one season and Haaland who was the top scorer of everything,” Roncero’s post read.
Ronaldo’s response caused quite a stir online, with fans and pundits alike expressing a wide range of opinions on the matter. His decision to endorse Roncero’s viewpoint by liking the comment and leaving four humorous emojis only added fuel to the fire.
Lionel Messi has respected Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career but what is the other doing? Likes and comments on Lionel Messi slander posts.
Lionel Messi is super clear! ๐
— ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ (@ChaaliiyKay) November 1, 2023
The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has been a source of entertainment and debate for football fans worldwide. With a combined total of 13 Ballon d’Or awards and numerous other individual honours, they are considered two of the greatest footballers in history.
Their rivalry reached its zenith during their respective tenures at Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Messi representing the Catalan club and Ronaldo leading Los Blancos to numerous successes.
However, both players have embarked on new challenges, with Messi now plying his trade in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Inter Miami and Ronaldo finding success with Saudi giants Al Nassr.