Florentino Pérez Weighs In on Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry, Issues Message of Respect

In a year that saw Lionel Messi achieve what many considered impossible—leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022—attention has shifted back to the iconic rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their ongoing debate has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike, and one name has been notably absent from much of the recent discourse: Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

After Ronaldo’s controversial comments about Messi’s achievements, which suggested that Argentina’s victory was not surprising because the team had previously won titles before Messi’s leadership, Pérez decided to address the ongoing conflict. His statement, made during an internal discussion within the Real Madrid hierarchy, quickly leaked and sent shockwaves throughout the football world.

Pérez’s Respect for Messi

In the aftermath of Ronaldo’s comments, Pérez expressed his admiration for both Messi and Ronaldo. He began his speech by emphasizing Real Madrid’s stance on comparisons, especially when they involve players from rival clubs. “Real Madrid does not enter comparisons, nor does it build its history by belittling others,” Pérez stated. “I don’t like the name of Real Madrid being associated with any speech that belittles any football star, whether a player from another club or even a historic rival.”

Pérez made it clear that both Messi and Ronaldo are revered as exceptional players. “Messi is an exceptional player, and Ronaldo is also one of the greatest ever to be part of our history,” Pérez continued. His approach was diplomatic, avoiding direct criticism of Ronaldo, while subtly distancing Real Madrid from any form of rivalry or personal conflict between the two legendary players.

The Real Madrid president’s message further emphasized that football is a team sport. He explained that when players, especially one of Ronaldo’s stature, claim that a national team used to win before a certain player, it undermines the importance of team-based achievements. “Football is a team game,” he explained. “Real Madrid won the Champions League before all the great names, and it will continue to win after.”

The Leadership Approach: Humility vs. Ego

Pérez also took the opportunity to draw a distinction between Messi’s approach and Ronaldo’s behavior, highlighting their contrasting attitudes toward their legacies. “What I respect a lot about Messi is that he was never looking for a comparison with anyone,” Pérez remarked. “He played, he won, and he let people decide. There are players who live in peace with themselves, and others who exhaust themselves because they cannot leave the past behind.”

This statement was particularly striking as it highlighted Messi’s calm and humility, contrasting it with Ronaldo’s more outspoken demeanor. Pérez’s words suggested that while both players are legends in their own right, Messi’s focus on his legacy without engaging in unnecessary comparisons set him apart from other footballers.

Pérez’s message was clear: footballers should focus on their achievements and let their performances on the field speak for themselves. “In football, you must evolve,” he added. “You must accept what others offer and focus on your own legacy, not on what others offer.”

Ronaldo’s Legacy and Real Madrid’s Stance

Pérez also addressed Ronaldo’s contributions to Real Madrid, acknowledging his immense impact on the club’s history. “Cristiano is a great player in the history of Real Madrid, and history will continue to remember him,” he said. “But every player chooses how they want the last chapter of their career to be written. Some choose it with humility and calm, and others choose it with words.”

Pérez’s comments were a direct response to Ronaldo’s public statements, calling out his rival without attacking him. By emphasizing the need for humility, Pérez seemed to offer Ronaldo some advice on how to navigate the latter part of his career. The Real Madrid president concluded his remarks by stating that the club would not allow its history to be used for personal conflicts. “Real Madrid respects all legends, respects Messi and what he has given to football, and respects Ronaldo for what he has given us,” Pérez said. “But we will not allow the club’s history to become a platform for personal conflicts. We are much bigger than that.”

A Message of Diplomacy

While the ongoing rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo is one of the most heated and enduring in football, Pérez’s message was a reminder of Real Madrid’s commitment to maintaining its dignity and legacy. The club’s president made it clear that Real Madrid’s focus is not on fueling the rivalry but on preserving the club’s tradition of excellence. “Real Madrid is the largest sports institution in the world and it does not need to stoop to the level of media controversies or personal conflicts,” Pérez concluded.

The leaked comments from Pérez, despite their restrained tone, sent a strong message: Real Madrid will not engage in the petty squabbles that have defined the Messi-Ronaldo debate. Instead, the club remains focused on its own legacy and its continued pursuit of success on the pitch.

Conclusion: The Legacy Beyond Rivalry

As the football world continues to debate the Messi vs. Ronaldo rivalry, Pérez’s words remind us that the game’s greatest players are not defined by comparisons or conflicts. Instead, their legacy is built on their contributions to the sport and the impact they have had on the generations that followed. Messi and Ronaldo, two of the most iconic players in football history, have each shaped the game in their own way.

However, as Pérez so astutely pointed out, it’s the game itself that matters most. Football will continue to evolve, and future generations of players will come and go. What will remain, however, is the rich history of the sport and the players who helped define it. Messi and Ronaldo will forever be a part of that legacy, but the focus should remain on the game itself, not the personal battles that sometimes overshadow it.

Pérez’s comments not only reinforced Real Madrid’s position as a club that values humility and excellence but also served as a reminder that the true essence of football lies in teamwork, legacy, and the pursuit of greatness—qualities that both Messi and Ronaldo have exemplified throughout their careers.