Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two of the biggest superstars in the history of football. Both have broken records after records and rewritten the history books. The two players have won a number of honors individually and collectively. There’s no doubt that both of them have inspired a whole generation of superstars.
Before they became the biggest names in World football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were just two talented players starting their careers. An old video of their first interaction has resurfaced on the internet which shows the beautiful sportsmanship between the two superstars.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United faced Lionel Messi’s Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Semi Finals in 2008 when the two stars met for the first time. The first leg at Camp Nou ended in a 0-0 draw whereas Ronaldo’s Man United won the return leg at Old Trafford 1-0. Here’s a video from the first time Ronaldo and Messi met each other:
The wholesome short clip shows Lionel Messi in the tunnel when he sees Cristiano Ronaldo and goes back to greet the Portuguese International. A beautiful show of respect between the two superstars.
Ronaldo and Messi have had incredible battles over the years but still both superstars have maintained immense respect for each other. Ronaldo while talking at the UEFA Awards in 2019 said:
“We have shared the stage for 15 years. ‘I don’t know if that has ever happened in football, the same two guys on the stage at the same time, so it’s not easy. Of course we have a good relationship, we have not had dinner together yet but I hope in the future.”
The whole football World would be eager to see a Messi and Ronaldo meet up off the pitch as they are two of the most loved and most followed superstars in the history of football.