8x Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has opened up on his 15-year rivalry with Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will go down as the two greatest footballers in history. Both players shaped the game of football like no other before them, creating two of the most vocal fanbases in all of sports. Even as their careers wind down, Ronaldo, now in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, and Messi in the MLS with Inter Miami, the GOAT debate continues to rage on. Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or 8 times, three clear of Ronaldo, spoke recently about the significance of their battle and what it meant for the sport. The 37-year-old said, via L'Equipe: "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."