On Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi crossed paths once more. Although the Portuguese superstar shared the field with the Argentine for a short while, seeing the world’s two best footballers battling it out was enough to rekindle the "who is better" debate.
Ronaldo got sent off and then pushed the referee in their Spanish Super Cup win, but the Ballon d’Or favorite made the headlines for other reasons as well.
Whilst La Pulga had to settle for a goal via a dubious spot kick, his 32-year-old rival scored a wonder goal before copying – some say mock – Messi’s iconic celebration from Barca’s 3-2 win at the Bernabeu last season.
Surely this means there is a rivalry between the two, right? Think again. The Real Madrid and Barca aces shared a moment in the tunnel prior to kick-off, and what was said in that short moment has now been revealed.
Spotting Leo, Cristiano approached the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to greet him, saying (as per the Mirror): "How are you Leo?”
"Fine, and you?" was Messi’s response, as Ronaldo tapped the 30-year-old on his chest. The Euro 2016 winner also greeted Luis Suarez.
This is just another proof of the respect the two hold for each other. They are rivals in the sense that they are in direct competition to be the best player in the world, but never have the two showed animosity towards each other.
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