Katia Aviero, sister of Cristiano Ronaldo, previously revealed that the Portuguese superstar’s household does not mention Lionel Messi’s name.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been fierce rivals on the pitch for more than 15 years now. The pair duked it out during the El Clasico era of the 2010s when Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid. Both of them pushed each other to reach their best on the pitch.
So obviously, that rivalry also spilled off the pitch. Even Ronaldo’s family keeps the rivalry in the household.
Why talking about Messi is prohibited in Cristiano Ronaldo’s household?
Apparently, in his household, no one dares mention the name of Lionel Messi. This was done to make sure Ronaldo didn’t feel stressed in his daily life. It also allowed him to enjoy his time with his family without having to hear topics of football.
According to Sportskeeda, in an interview in 2018, Katia Aveiro said, “We don’t talk about Messi at home. Cristiano knows that behind the door, there is a whirlwind. And that when he goes through the door from the outside to the inside, he is protected. That’s where that he recharges all his batteries.”
At the time, both were regularly clashing on the pitch for the most important trophies. The Barca-Madrid rivalry was also huge at that time. There is no doubt that there was pressure on Ronaldo to outdo Messi in every aspect.
The huge pressure was already taking a toll on him. While he managed to perform consistently on the pitch, Messi also did the same. The fans demanded success all the time, and Ronaldo could feel it.
His family as a result wanted him to shield him from the outside pressure in his time at home. The family man spent time with his kids, mother, and siblings whenever he was not training or playing.
Is Messi vs Ronaldo the greatest rivalry in football?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the best players to ever grace a soccer pitch. The pair have won 12 Ballon d’Or awards between themselves in the past 15 years. The debate of who is the better soccer player is never-ending. Even people who don’t follow soccer debate over who is the better player. Many celebrities, personalities, and even former players sometimes weigh in their opinion.
The debate has made the rivalry one of the greatest in football history, if not in sports history.
Cristiano Ronaldo, now 38, joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in January after parting ways with Manchester United. The Saudi club offered the star footballer a contract that made him the world’s best-paid player. He has been in terrific form there with 14 goals in 19 games.
Messi meanwhile currently has 16 goals and 16 assists in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint Germain. The Argentine has won the World Cup and also has two extra Ballon d’Ors than his eternal rival, giving him an extra edge in the GOAT debate. He is also in the running for an 8th Ballon d’Or this year. He is expected to leave in the summer and could possibly rejoin Barcelona.
There is also an offer from Al Hilal to Lionel Messi. If he does accept the bid, Messi and Ronaldo could be back in the same league together and reignite their rivalry.
