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Lionel Messi has opened up about his many battles for Barcelona against arch-nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo when he was at Real Madrid.

With a combined 11 of the last 12 Ballon d’Or awards, there is no mistaking that these two specimens are the finest current football players to walk the planet.

The pair have battled it out on the pitch multiple times in Spanish competitions, the Champions League and even at international level.

Paying homage to Ronaldo, Messi believes they were on “equal footing” during 10 years of competing, adding that it bought an extra spice to any El Clasico encounters.

“It was a special duel and it will remain forever, because it lasted many years and it is not easy to maintain certain levels for a long time,” Messi told DAZN.

“Plus, the teams we played in were also very demanding, both Real Madrid and Barca, the two best in the world.

“Competing on an equal footing for so many years, I think it will remain forever.

“The sporting duel between us was very nice on a personal level and I think people had fun too, whether it was from Madrid or from Barca, or even only football fans in general.

(Image: REUTERS)

“Obviously when Cristiano was at Real Madrid the matches were always special.

“The matches against Real always mean a lot, but when Cristiano was there they became much more special.

“But it's a time that has passed now, that we have experienced. Now we have to look ahead to the future.”

Ronaldo is back in action for Juventus on Wednesday evening when they face Udinese in the Coppa Italia, while Messi plays again for Barcelona against Granada on Sunday.