In their own words — and in everybody else's.

Messi on Ronaldo · 3

• “

  It's been many years, more than ten, that we've been there. I think the rivalry was good for football, not for us. We've never been friends, but we were never rivals off the pitch either.

  Lionel Messi · 2018

  On the long rivalry, in an interview with TyC Sports.

• “

  Cristiano is an extraordinary player. The matches we played against each other will be remembered as part of the history of the sport.

  Lionel Messi · 2020

  After Ronaldo scored a brace against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

• “

  I always said I'd give up everything to win one of these. Now I have it, the rest doesn't matter.

  Lionel Messi · 2022

  After winning the World Cup in Qatar.

Ronaldo on Messi · 3

• “

  We have shared the stage for 15 years. Imagine that — me and Messi, for 15 years. I don't know if it has ever happened before in any sport.

  Cristiano Ronaldo · 2019

  At an event after multiple Ballon d'Or wins each.

• “

  Congratulations to him. A career-defining trophy for a great champion who deserves it.

  Cristiano Ronaldo · 2022

  In a public message after Argentina won the World Cup.

• “

  Now the rivalry is over. Both Messi and I are no longer in Europe. We made each other better for many years.

  Cristiano Ronaldo · 2023

  On their move to Saudi Arabia and MLS.

Everybody else · 8

• “

  Don't write about him, don't try to describe him. Just watch him.

  Pep Guardiola · 2015

  Messi's manager at Barcelona between 2008 and 2012.

• “

  He's a marvellous player. He has the lot — physical, technical, mental. He's the best young player I've ever signed.

  Sir Alex Ferguson · 2013

  On signing Ronaldo from Sporting at 18 and managing him for six years.

• “

  I never had to motivate Cristiano. He motivated himself. The era he and Messi shared is the best period this sport has ever had.

  Zinedine Zidane · 2017

  Zidane managed Ronaldo to three Champions Leagues at Real Madrid.

• “

  Playing alongside Leo is the closest thing in football to a guarantee.

  Andrés Iniesta · 2018

  Iniesta's farewell to Barcelona.

• “

  I have never coached anyone who wants to win as much as Cristiano. Every training session is a final for him.

  Carlo Ancelotti · 2020

  On Ronaldo's professionalism.

• “

  There won't be another rivalry like this. Two players, both reaching their peak at the same time, both at the biggest two clubs in Europe. We will not see it again in our lifetimes.

  Xavi Hernández · 2022

  Xavi played alongside Messi at Barcelona for over a decade.

• “

  It's no good giving him the Golden Ball if you can't give him the World Cup. He deserved both.

  Diego Maradona · 2014

  After Argentina lost the World Cup final to Germany.

• “

  He has it all. He's a great player. He is the best in the world after Messi.

  Diego Maradona · 2019

  In a televised interview.