Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi has praised rival Cristiano Ronaldo after the Real Madrid forward scored three goals to qualify Portugal for the World Cup.
“I was very happy for him when he scored those goals,” Messi said. “It’s just great when the best teams compete in Brazil, and Cristiano has had a great scoring rate for many years now. He plays at an outstanding level."
Advertisement
Praise between what are considered to be the two best players in the world is rare.
"He is always there scoring goals in all the games and taking part in his club and national side," Messi told Marca.
[ESPN Soccernet]
[Football365]