Lionel Messi has said that Sergio Ramos was his most intense rival when they both played in The classic in Spain.
The two had numerous battles when Messi played for Barcelona and Ramos led Real Madrid's defense.
The rivalry was resolved when the pair unexpectedly became teammates at Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Speaking on his nephew's YouTube show about which player he argued with the most during his career, Messi said: “We fought a lot with Sergio Ramos. Afterwards we became teammates, but [before] in it Classics, we always held each other. He Classics “They were intense.”
Ramos has previously described Messi as “the best player ever produced”.
On Tuesday, the Spanish club announced the departure of Ramos from Sevilla.
The former Spain captain returned to his boyhood club last summer after two seasons at PSG and scored seven goals in 37 appearances for Sevilla.
The veteran defender rejected the option of extending his second stay at the club but denied that he is thinking of retiring from football.
“Absolutely not,” Ramos said of leaving the sport. “I feel good physically. I am hungry to continue playing. I see myself playing for one or two years. I had the option of staying at Sevilla but I have made a personal decision.”
Ramos, 38, a World Cup winner with Spain and two-time European champion, has been linked with a move to MLS, where he could face Messi again.
Argentina captain Messi joined MLS side Inter Miami in July 2023 after his contract with PSG expired.
“I haven't made a decision yet,” Ramos said. “I have not signed anything with any club. Fortunately I have interesting options. I have earned the right to decide my future and that of my family.”
Ramos recently traveled to Dallas to support Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic during the NBA Finals, sparking speculation that he could join an MLS club after leaving Sevilla.
“I am a big NBA fan and I have a good relationship with Luka Doncic since our time at Real Madrid,” Ramos said. “But I didn't go to Dallas for anything related to my future. The United States has always attracted me because of the quality of life, but that has nothing to do with making a big decision.”
