Football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both have chosen the most difficult opponents of their career so far.
Over the years, both Ronaldo and Messi have often fought on top of the game.
His fierce fight came when Ronaldo was playing for Real Madrid and Messi was in Barcelona.
Both players will be remembered as two of the best to play the game forever, winning a combined total of 13 Bellon D’ORS.
The pair have also played against some of the world’s best players, but was there anyone who stood outside?
Cristiano Ronaldo named Premier League Legend as his most difficult rival
Ronaldo once admitted that former England, Chelsea and Arsenal Left-back Ashley Cole were the most difficult rivals that they had ever faced.
The pair went to head-to-head on several occasions while playing in the Premier League and playing on international duty between England and Portugal.
“Over the years I had some great fight with Ashley Cole”, Ronaldo told coach Mag. “He does not give you a second to breathe.
“When he was at his peak, he was such a quick player, in quick, strict tackle. You knew that it would never be an easy game.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi played against each other in 2023. Image: Getty
Lionel Messi chose Shock Defender as her most difficult opposition player
Meanwhile, Messi’s most difficult rival is not as famous.
Speaking back in 2020, Messi said Forefortwo: “Girona’s pablo mafio was the most difficult. I never complain, but he [match] Was intense! ,
The eight-time Ballon D’Or winner referred to Barcelona’s 3–0 victory over Girona in 2017, when the 20-year-old mafio, who was then on a loan from Manchester City, spoke him.
Speaking after the game, the defender, who now plays for Mallorca, explained (via quotes Givemesport: “Messi said to me: ‘I have met you here for the whole day’ and I said: ‘You are the best in the world, I am not going to leave you.
“He asked me how old I was, if I was assigned by Manchester City and what it was there. He said that the marking was not pleasant.
“Messi and I were together throughout the match. They have asked me some things. He is a good person.”