Cristiano Ronaldo: “I never saw Messi as a rival…”

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the press following his team’s 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League group stages. The Portuguese forward scored 2 goals from the spot in his return to the Camp Nou, and it would be a surprise if he wouldn’t talk about the Messi – Ronaldo debate after such performance.

“I never saw Messi as a rival. He tries to do the best for his team, like me. We have always had a very good relationship. Football had sought a rivalry between us,” said Ronaldo with all humbleness.

Cristiano Ronaldo:
“Sabíamos que era una misión casi imposible”
“Necesitábamos una victoria así contra un gran equipo como el Barcelona” “Nunca vi a Messi como un rival. Hace lo mejor para su equipo, como yo. Siempre hemos tenido muy buena relación”. #LaCasadelFútbol pic.twitter.com/bEz9DQ4wQf

— Fútbol en Movistar+ (@MovistarFutbol) December 8, 2020

“The key is that we entered the game very well. We had to score three goals and we did it. We needed a good result against a great team like Barcelona. Regardless of their circumstances. They’re always Barcelona,” added the 35-year-old.

Cristiano also posted a tweet, stating that he is happy with a return to the Camp Nou, and that his team has nothing to fear if they continue like this:

Always great to return to Spain and to Catalunya, always hard to play in Camp Nou against one of the best teams I ever faced. Today we were a team of Champions! A true, strong and united family! Playing like this, we have nothing to fear until the end of the season… Let’s go! pic.twitter.com/PivPpJ3SLh

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 8, 2020

After this result, Juventus tops the group, and Barcelona will have to face much stronger rivals in the round of 16 with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.