What does Cristiano Ronaldo think about Messi?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the focus of soccer fans' discussions where they tend to take one side or the other, and the debate continues in pubs, offices and backyards around the world. We recently revealed what stars who have played with both have to say, with a clear winner.

Now we bring you what Ronaldo thinks of Messi. The two know each other well, of course, having faced each other in dozens of Clasicos over the years.

But are the two professional enemies or just longtime foes?

Cristiano Ronaldo spent eight seasons at Real Madrid, facing Messi time and time again. Not only did they share the same pitch every time Los Blancos took on Barcelona, but they battled for LaLiga supremacy season after season.

But it was a challenge Ronaldo wanted, and the Portuguese ace likened his rivalry with the Argentine to the greatest in the history of the sport. Last year, Ronaldo revealed, "I admire a lot the career he has done so far.

"And, for his part, he has already said he had problems when I left the Spanish league because it is a rivalry he appreciates.

Messi has 10 league titles to Ronaldo's six, and he has the edge overall in terms of club honours with 33—Ronaldo has 27.

The Portugal international has won the UEFA European Championship and UEFA Nations League with his national side, though, while Messi has had to endure the heartbreak of defeats in four major finals with Argentina.

They also each boast some astonishing individual numbers. Ronaldo has scored 689 goals and assisted 247 in 961 appearances for club and country. Messi, two years younger, has played 823 matches in his career, scoring 671 times and assisting 286 goals.