'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Cristiano Ronaldo's national teammate, Francisco Trincao, has recalled how Lionel Messi greeted him during their time at Barcelona. He said that the Argentine used to greet everyone with a kiss and he needed time to get used to it.
Speaking to Relevo, Trincao said that Argentinian and Uruguayan players greeted each other with kisses, and Messi used to do the same with every teammate. He admitted that it was unusual for him after joining Barcelona's academy and said (via GOAL):
“At first, it was a bit strange, because culturally, in Argentina and Uruguay, they kiss a lot to greet each other, and it was strange for Messi to greet me with a kiss every time I arrived at the academy. Then I got used to it, but in the first few weeks it was difficult."
Trending
Talking about the Barcelona legend's behaviour and approach on the pitch, Trincao added:
“On the pitch, he was very calm. He set an example more than he spoke to us, he helped us on the pitch, where we should go and what to do. He would tell us something and we would accept it because what he said was true.”
Trincao played 42 matches for Barcelona in his debut season, but never played for the club again, as he was loaned out to Wolverhampton and then sold to Cristiano Ronaldo's former club, Sporting CP. He commented on his experience at the Catalan side and said:
“Being 20 years old and having a club like Barça saying they want you, I don't think anyone can say no. I would never have said no to Barcelona, but maturity comes with time. If I continue like this, with this consistency, I'm sure I'll be better in two years. Defining myself? It's difficult... But I would say that I'm humble, very grateful for what I have and very hard-working.”
Trincao played 34 games with the Argentine at Barcelona, combining for three goals, all coming in wins over Osasuna, Deportivo Alaves, and SD Huesca.
Lionel Messi comments on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo
In an interview with DSports this year, Lionel Messi spoke about his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Inter Miami captain said that he has a lot of respect for the Al-Nassr star and said (via TNT Sports):
"I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had and continues to have, because he’s still competing at the highest level."
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new deal until 2027 at the Saudi Pro League club this summer. Lionel Messi has now penned a 3-year extension at Inter Miami, keeping him at the MLS club until 2028.
