When Lionel Messi Doubted Cristiano Ronaldo and Lived to Regret It: Video

• Lionel Messi once appeared to make mockery of his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo but lived to regret it
• Since 'laughing' at Ronaldo, the Argentine failed to win the Champions League till his departure from Europe
• Currently, both players, who hold each other in high esteem, are plying their trade outside the shores of the continent

The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of football's most iconic narratives, shaping the sport for nearly two decades.

Week after week, the two legends pushed each other to extraordinary levels, raising the global game to previously unseen heights.

The Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry

Their intense competition to be recognised as the greatest ever propelled them into the footballing stratosphere, where they set records and achieved feats that may never be replicated.

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However, as Sportskeeda noted, despite the fierce on-field battle, both men have always shown mutual respect.

When Messi doubted Ronaldo

But a viral video from 2015 suggests that, at one point, Messi may have doubted Ronaldo—only to later regret it.

Fresh off Barcelona’s treble-winning campaign, led by Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar, the two rivals found themselves on the same stage during an awards ceremony.

When asked about his outlook for the upcoming 2015/16 season, Ronaldo confidently predicted success for himself and Real Madrid.

While Cristiano spoke, cameras caught a glimpse of Messi's reaction—a subtle smirk that seemed to hint at scepticism.

It was as if the Argentine was unconvinced that his counterpart could reach those ambitious heights.

Ronaldo makes Messi pay for his doubts

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As fate would have it, Ronaldo went on to play a pivotal role in Madrid's historic three-peat in the UEFA Champions League, cementing his legacy in the competition, per Daily Campus.

Messi, on the other hand, has not lifted the UCL trophy since that fateful night in 2015.

Ronaldo’s triumphs in Europe marked a turning point, and Barcelona's gradual decline left Messi unable to reclaim the European crown.

Even his high-profile move to PSG, alongside star players like Neymar and Mbappe, failed to bring him another Champions League title.

What are Messi and Ronaldo up to presently?

Fast-forward to today and both icons have left European football.

Ronaldo continues to thrive in Saudi Arabia, recently netting his 901st career goal, while Messi, now in the United States, is recovering from an injury sustained during Argentina's Copa America success and eagerly awaiting his return to Inter Miami.

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Cristiano Ronaldo 'brags' after climbing off the bench to score last gasp winner for Portugal

UEFA honours Cristiano Ronaldo

In a previous publication, YEN.com.gh reported that UEFA paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo for his unmatched achievements in the Champions League.

Despite his last appearance in the competition in 2021, Ronaldo's records in Europe’s elite tournament remain unrivalled.

Source: YEN.com.gh