Lionel Messi is open about his era-determining rivalry with fellow legend Cristiano Ronaldo, a period in which they won a combined 13 balloon d'Ors.
With Messi in Barcelona and Ronaldo in Real Madrid, the rivalry between the two was a whole generation.
We were widely considered as the two best players of all time, both players won countless titles and scored an incomprehensible number of goals for their respective clubs (Messi 666, Ronaldo 450).
Yet the battle between the two remained respectful and the World Cup winner spoke lovingly over time with Ronaldo.
“It was always a fight,” Messi told the official Ballon d'Or X account.
“In sporting terms it was very beautiful. We pushed each other to be better because we are both extremely competitive.
“He always wanted to win everything, and I too. It was a good time for us and for people who love football.”