Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's rivalry has dominated football for many years, but the pair, despite the intense competition between them, have always respected each other. With 12 Ballon d'Or awards between them - and countless club trophies - they are, according to many, the two greatest players in history.
During their respective careers, Ronaldo and Messi have come head-to-head on 36 occasions. The former has recorded 11 victories, while the latter has been on the winning side 16 times. The Portuguese star has registered 20 goals, and the Argentine ace has managed 21. The pair, by their own admissions, are not friends, but they have each played an important role in their opponent's career.
While they have often been quizzed on the form of their 'rival', the two players have rarely been seen together, and don't often talk about each other. However, during Ronaldo's controversial interview with Piers Morgan, the Manchester United attacker opened up on his relationship with Messi.
