He knows what's good, Barcelona legend admits missing Cristiano Ronaldo

In a gesture that highlights the greatness and mutual admiration between two football legends, Lionel Messi, considered the most important player in the history of FC Barcelona, has openly expressed his wish that Cristiano Ronaldo's time at Real Madrid had ended.

The Argentine genius, before his departure from elite football, did not hesitate to acknowledge his longing for the memorable confrontations between Barcelona and Real Madrid, where he had Cristiano Ronaldo as a direct opponent. Messi made it clear that the rivalry with the Portuguese monster generated a special attraction for El Clásico, the Spanish League and football worldwide.

"I would have liked him (Cristiano Ronaldo) to continue at (Real) Madrid, in the Spanish League. I think it gave an added bonus to the rivalry, to the Clásico (in Spain) and to the League," said the world champion in an interview with RAC1 when he was still wearing the FC Barcelona captain's ribbon.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi gave fans the best classics in history, allowing them to enjoy an epic, spectacular and exciting rivalry. Furthermore, they demonstrated to the world of sport that rivals do not need to be considered enemies, establishing a mutual respect that will last in the memories of football lovers.

Messi, Barcelona's historic scorer

While Lionel Messi holds the title of FC Barcelona's all-time top scorer with 672 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo is Real Madrid's all-time top scorer with 450 goals. Both are at the top of the list of all-time top scorers in professional football. Lionel Messi is the player with the most goals (26) in the history of the Spanish Classic, having left his mark in the League, the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid.