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

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi shared a great rivalry spanning almost two decades.
Since 2015, Lionel Messi has not won the UEFA Champions League, while Cristiano Ronaldo clinched it three times. Images: VI Images and David Ramos.
Source: UGC

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.

Read also

The 4 future Ballon d'Or winners, according to Cristiano Ronaldo

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

When Messi doubted Ronaldo

But a 2015 viral video 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.

Reactions to the video:

Here are some of the responses to the video.

@bbgbonniefifa:

"Messi hasn’t won a UCL since that day."

rodmanpc:

"I doubt Messi understood half what Cristiano said."

calvin_jax:

"Messi didn't even understand what he said."

kelgaga:

"Poor Messi. Doesn’t understand English. Just there chilling being Autistic."

While Cristiano spoke, cameras caught a glimpse of Messi's reaction—a subtle smirk hinting at scepticism.

Read also

When Messi Overlooked Cristiano Ronaldo in Naming the Best Player He's Ever Seen

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

Ronaldo makes Messi pay for his doubts

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

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

Reactions to the post:

Here are some of the responses from social media users.

@isholaolumide:

"GOAT for a reason."

@Gamingbetss:

"A true icon in the history of the beautiful game."

@A_HA_345:

"Thanks to Rooney and Di maria."

@michaelwale_:

"He's the real GOAT unlike that other boy."

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.

Read also

YouTube Legend Mr Beast Picks Messi Over Ronaldo as the Greatest Footballer of All Time

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. Now in the United States, Messi is recovering from an injury sustained during Argentina's Copa America success and eagerly awaits his return to Inter Miami.

UEFA honours Cristiano Ronaldo

In a previous publication, Briefly News 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.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU - click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Justin Williams avatar

Justin Williams (Editor) Justin Williams is a multimedia journalist who recently completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Film & Multimedia Production and English Literary Studies from the University of Cape Town. He is a former writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa: South African chapter. You can contact Justin at justin.williams@briefly.co.za