…He’s a phenomenal player with a lot of quality
…Sets to renew Barcelona contract
Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi has praised Cristiano Ronaldo, while also stating that he would like to stay at the Blaugrana until the end of his career.
The Ronaldo-Messi rivalry has been amplified since the Portuguese’s move to Real Madrid in 200, with the duo having won the past nine Ballon d’Ors between them, and Messi has commended the 32-year-old for his continued brilliance.
“[The rivalry] is reinforced by the press, not by us,” Messi told ESPN.
“We try to achieve the best every year for our team and what is said outside of that I don’t think is very important.
“He is a phenomenal player with a lot of quality, who outdoes himself each year.
“The entire world knows, and that is why he is one of the best of the world.”
The 29-year-old was also adamant that he wants to remain in Catalonia, and it appears that a contract renewal is nearing completion.
“[Staying with Barcelona] is what I have always wanted, what I have always dreamt of,” he continued.
“I said that I would like to end my career in Barcelona, and we will see if it ends that way.”
Argentina will face Brazil in a friendly on Friday night at Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Messi spoke about the disappointment they have suffered in recent finals.
“We were close to victory on three occasions [once in the World Cup final, twice in the Copa America final] but we lost due to small details,” he followed on.
“I believe that, in the key moments, we didn’t have the luck to become champions.
“It is not easy to stand up after losing a final and we did it, reaching two more.”
Messi can not only play in this Argentina friendly, but can also take part in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers after his suspension was overturned on appeal.
