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Cristiano Ronaldo says his rivalry with Lionel Messi is \u2018gone\u2019 after the Portuguese superstar was snubbed for the 2023 Ballon d\u2019Or award.<\/p>\n
A total of 30 stars have been nominated for the prestigious trophy this year, which is handed annually to the best player in world football.<\/p>\n
Messi and Ronaldo have been battling it out for the Ballon d\u2019Or for well over a decade with the Argentine being awarded the trophy a record seven times.<\/p>\n
Ronaldo has five Ballon d\u2019Or trophies but the 38-year-old, who now plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, was not named among the 30 nominees for 2023.<\/p>\n
Inter Miami star Messi made the list following his heroics in Qatar last year after the 36-year-old played a key role in Argentina wining the World Cup.<\/p>\n
But Ronaldo claims his long rivalry with Messi \u2013 which peaked when the duo were playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively \u2013 has officially come to an end.<\/p>\n
\u2018I don\u2019t see things like that, the rivalry is gone,\u2019 Ronaldo said. \u2018It was good, spectators liked it.<\/p>\n
\u2018Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don\u2019t have to hate Messi and vice versa. We\u2019ve done well, we have changed the history of football. <\/p>\n
\u2018We are respected all over the world, that\u2019s the most important thing. He\u2019s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. <\/p>\n
\u2018From what I\u2019ve seen, he\u2019s been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don\u2019t see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I\u2019m not saying we\u2019re friends, I\u2019ve never had dinner with him, but we\u2019re professional colleagues and we respect each other.\u2019<\/p>\n