'He always wanted to win': Messi shatters football world with details of his rivalry with Ronaldo

Lionel Messi claimed his eighth Ballon d'Or title on Monday, October 31, 2023 as he got the better of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. The Argentine was expected to lay his hands on the eighth Ballon d'Or and he was readily crowned in the absence of esteemed personalities. Messi now holds the record number of Ballon d'Or to his name and it would be extremely difficult to get past his records.

3 things you need to know

• This is Lionel Messi's 8th Ballon d'Or
• Cristiano Ronaldo has only five Ballon d'Ors in his cabinet
• Messi lifted the World Cup with Argentina last year

Also Read: Ronaldo's reaction to video claiming Messi should have only 5 Ballon d'Or not eight is fascinating

Lionel Messi opened up on his battle with Cristiano Ronaldo

It was a great battle, from a sporting point of view. We fed off each other's rivalry because we're both great competitors. He, too, always wanted to win everything, all the time. It was a very enjoyable time for both of us and for everyone who loves football. I think we deserve a lot of credit for having managed to stay at the top for so long. Because as they say, it's easy to get there. What's difficult is staying there. And we stayed at the top for ten, fifteen years. It's very difficult to stay at that level and it's spectacular. And I think it remains a good memory for all those who followed us.

Also Read: Lionel Messi predicts future 'Ballon d'Or' winners as he wins coveted trophy for record 8th time

Lionel Messi edged past Cristiano Ronaldo in Ballon d'Or race

Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or means he is now three ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo who missed out on a Ballon d'Or nomination. Ronaldo didn't have the desired outcome last season as he also had to leave Manchester United and joined AL Nassr at the start of this year. The Portuguese has been in brilliant form this campaign having already found the net 14 times so far. Both he and Messi dominated the football scene in the last two decades and Messi appreciated Ronaldo's effort after another historic day.