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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Jack Rathborn

Cristiano Ronaldo offers Lionel Messi out to dinner at 2019 Champions League draw

Cristiano Ronaldo offered Lionel Messi out to dinner while admitting he misses his rivalry with the Barcelona forward. 

The Juventus superstar left Real Madrid last summer to end nine years of intense rivalry with Messi. 

But while attending the Champions League draw in Monaco, sitting between Messi and Virgil van Dijk, who edged the forwards to Uefa Player of the Year, Ronaldo and Messi appeared comfortable in each other’s company. 

And after reflecting on his time competing with Messi in Spain, the Portuguese revealed his desire to break bread down the line. 

“We shared the stage, me and him for 15 years,” Ronaldo told BT Sport. “I don’t know if it has ever happened in football before, it’s not easy.

“We have a good relationship, we have not had a dinner together yet, but I hope in the future. 

“Of course I miss playing in Spain, we had that battle over the last 15 years.

“He pushed me and I pushed him as well, it’s good to be part of the history of football.”

Messi and Ronaldo share a joke (BT Sport)

Ronaldo would not be drawn on his retirement and even said he could carry on playing as long as Messi, despite the Argentine being two years younger. 

“Well, he’s two years younger than me,” Ronaldo added. “But I think I look good for my age. I hope to be here next year and in two years, three years.”

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