Cristiano Ronaldo insisted he never saw Lionel Messi as a rival after Juventus defeated Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night.
Ronaldo converted two penalties and Weston McKennie where Juventus claimed the comfortable win and top spot in Group G.
Messi had a game-high 11 shots, including seven on target, but Barca fell as he faced Ronaldo – who starred during nine seasons in La Liga with Real Madrid – once more.
Ronaldo, who shared a brief embrace with Messi before the clash, said there was no rivalry between the two all-time greats.
“I have always had a very cordial relationship with him,” he told Movistar+.
“I shared 12, 13 or 14 years of award ceremonies with him. I never saw him as a rival.
“He always tries to do what is best for his team and me too. I always got along very well with him.
“But we know that in football, for the press, for the show, a rivalry is sought, but I have always gotten along well with him. I see him as always.”