Lionel Messi has opened up on his 'special duel' with Cristiano Ronaldo and has claimed that their great rivalry will 'remain forever'.
The two superstars have been in constant competition with one another for the best part of 15 years and often met at least twice a season while playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid.
At Spain's top two clubs the pair went to war year after year to reign supreme - on both a club and individual level.
Between them, of course, they share 11 Ballon d'Or awards, as well as countless La Liga and Champions League titles.
In 2018 Ronaldo moved to Juventus and the rivalry has cooled, but it will be renewed next week in Europe's premier competition when The Old Lady host Barca on Wednesday.
Ahead of that fixture, Messi has been speaking about his famous 'duel' with CR7.
"The one with Cristiano Ronaldo was and is a special duel, which will remain forever," the Argentine told DAZN.
"It lasted many years [in La Liga] and it is not easy to maintain certain levels for a long time.
"Our teams were also very demanding: Real Madrid and Barcelona, the two strongest clubs in the world. Competing as equals for so many years is something that will remain forever.
"The duel between me and Cristiano Ronaldo was very good on a personal level and I think people enjoyed it."
Messi and Ronaldo were due to meet once more in the Champions League group stage next week, but their reunion might not happen after all.
CR7 has recently tested positive for coronavirus and on Thursday, returned a second positive test, meaning his involvement against Barcelona is in doubt.
Ahead of the match, Messi spoke kindly about his eternal rival and even said he hopes Ronaldo will be on the pitch.
"Obviously when Cristiano played for Real Madrid the games were special, against them they always are, but with Cristiano on the pitch they had a particular meaning," he continued.
"It is now the past, now we look forward to today's challenges.
"Wednesday there could be this challenge. We hope that Cristiano can be there and will soon recover from COVID."
Football fans across the world - like Messi - will be hoping Ronaldo is available to feature next week. We need another chapter in their great rivalry!