"I think it will be difficult for us to play in the same team" - When Lionel Messi commented on possibility of playing with Cristiano Ronaldo
The debate around the better player out of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been going on forever and one we may never get a final answer on. Another question around the two that may be left unanswered is how both would fare if they played in the same team.
The two superstars are considered among the greatest players to have played the sport. However, the Argentinian admitted back in 2025 that it would be difficult for them to play in the same team.
During the time when both players were playing in La Liga, Messi had opened up about playing alongside Cristiano. The Mirror quoted Lionel Messi via an interview from 2015 where he had admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the best in the world.
When asked if he would like to have played with the Portuguese, Messi said:
"Yes, of course. I always like to play with the best, and he is one of them. I think it will be difficult for us to play in the same team, but obviously I would like to."
He went on to add that he has played with many good players during his career and that he would like to play with his arch-rival as well.
"I was lucky enough to play and participate with many very good players and, obviously, I would also like to do it with him," Messi added.
Lionel Messi is currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) while Cristiano Ronaldo plys his trade with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Both players have made a lasting impact on the game winning a total of 13 Ballon d'Or trophies combined.
Their dominance has seen only Luka Modric and Karim Benzema win the Ballon d'Or in the last fifteen years.
"Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing together would be amazing for fans" - Pedro Mendes
It is not just Lionel Messi who would like to see him play alongside Ronaldo, but also the 39-year-old's former teammate Pedro Mendes. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder recently admitted that it would be a dream to see both the greats play for the same team.
Speaking to BoyleSports, Cristiano's former international teammate said:
"If Cristiano Ronaldo joined Inter Miami it would be amazing for the fans and incredible for football in America. It would mean that the two best players in the history and future of football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would finish their careers together which would be a dream come true."
Although he painted the dream scenario, he added that he can't see it happening as "it would be very difficult".