FC Barcelona legend Carles Puyol has exclusively revealed to Soccer Laduma why he believes the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been great for themselves and for the sport.
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Messi and Ronaldo have undoubtedly dominated football over the last decade, scoring goals and wowing crowds on their way to five Ballon d'Ors each since 2008.
Speaking ahead of El Clasico between Real and Barca on Saturday, Puyol believes their player rivalry has been not only great for fans, but that it has also benefited the players.
"I think it's good for Messi, as well as for Ronaldo and for everyone in football," he told Soccer Laduma journalist Rossella Marrai-Ricco.
"It's a good thing because they feed off each other and they work hard.
"Neither of them can relax. They're just giving it their all, all the time, so for those of us who love football, the fact that these two players are playing so well is good news!"
Soccer Laduma's Rossella Ricco-Marrai is attending this year's El Clasico thanks to La Liga's offices in Johannesburg. Follow her daily dairy in Fan Park and our social channels.
While Ronaldo has scored 17 Clasico goals since his arrival at Real in 2009, Messi has hit the back of the net on 24 occasions against Saturday's opposition.
Do you think Messi or Ronaldo can win the Clasico for their respective sides on Saturday? Let us know in the comments section below.
