“I don’t think they’ll become what Messi and Ronaldo were” - Barcelona legend weighs in on Kylian Mbappe vs Erling Haaland battle in La Liga
Former Barcelona legend David Villa believes that the iconic Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry cannot be matched by a potential Kylian Mbappe vs Erling Haaland clash in La Liga. Villa's statements came amid speculation of Barcelona holding talks with Haaland's agent for a future transfer.
After being linked to Real Madrid for years, Mbappe finally moved to the Bernabeu from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2024. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland has been breaking major goal-scoring records since joining Manchester City in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking to the media, David Villa addressed the potential Mbappe vs Haaland rivalry, and said (via Tribuna):
"To have [Erling] Haaland against [Kylian] Mbappe in La Liga would be incredible. I hope Haaland can come. I don’t think they’ll reach the heights of Messi and Cristiano, but it would still be great for the league."
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's rivalry reached its peak between 2009 to 2018, when both played for arch-rival clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. During this period, the Blaugrana legend won three UEFA Champions Leagues, while Ronaldo picked up four titles. However, Messi won seven La Liga titles, compared to the Portuguese forward's two league victories.
However, both legends remained key to their team's success during this period and remains the respective highest goal-scorers of their clubs till today.
Ronaldo left Real Madrid to join Juventus in 2018, while the Argentine left Barcelona in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The former currently plies trade in Saudi Arabia, while Messi represents Inter Miami in the MLS.
"We have changed the history of football" - When Cristiano Ronaldo claimed his rivalry with Lionel Messi was over
Speaking to the media while on international duty with Portugal in 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo was asked about his rivalry with Lionel Messi. The Al-Nassr star declared that the rivalry is over, and explained (via NBC Sports):
“The rivalry is over. It was good, a healthy rivalry that spectators liked a lot. Whoever likes Cristiano doesn’t have to hate Messi or vice-versa because they’re both very good. They changed the history of football, and they keep on doing it.”
The Portuguese international added that he has never been friends with his archrival, but shares a lot of respect for the former Blaugrana star.
He continued:
“We are respected throughout the world, that’s the most important thing. He makes his way, I make mine, even if we are playing outside Europe. He has done well, from what I’ve seen, and so have I. It’s about continuing. The legacy continues."
"The rivalry, I don’t see things like that. I’ve already said, we’ve shared the stage for 15 years and we ended up being, I wouldn’t say friends, because I never dined with him, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other.”
The Al-Nassr star reached another milestone in his career recently as he crossed the mark of 900 career goals across competitions. Meanwhile, Messi returned to the pitch after recovering from an ankle injury for almost two months. Upon his return, the Inter Miami star scored a brace for the Herons against Philadelphia Union.