Paulo Dybala Recalls Telling Cristiano Ronaldo He “Hated” Him Due to Messi Rivalry
Paulo Dybala, a player fortunate enough to have shared the pitch with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, once revealed a surprising conversation he had with the Portuguese superstar during their time at Juventus. The Argentine forward confessed to Ronaldo that, as a child, he “hated” him because of the fierce rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi in his home country.
Dybala, now playing for AS Roma, opened up about the candid exchange in an interview. Reflecting on his three years alongside Ronaldo at Juventus, he praised the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for his impact on the team but shared an amusing anecdote from their travels.
“I Practically Hated You”
While recalling their conversation, Dybala explained how the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo shaped opinions in Argentina:
“There’s a big rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo in Argentina. Once, we were flying out for a game, I was sitting at the back of the plane, and he was slightly ahead. At some point, he came to me, we spoke about life in general, and I told him: ‘As a kid, I practically hated you.’ We laughed about it and we’ve always been on good terms.”
Despite his childhood bias, Dybala spoke highly of his relationship with Ronaldo and the lessons he learned during their time together. The duo won two Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia during their successful stint at Juventus.
A Unique Perspective on Two Legends
Dybala belongs to a rare group of players who have had the privilege of playing alongside both Messi and Ronaldo, as well as other legends such as Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain, and Gabriel Heinze. His experience has given him a unique perspective on two of football’s greatest players.
When asked to name the three best teammates he has ever played with, Dybala surprised many by including fellow Argentine Gonzalo Higuain alongside Messi and Ronaldo. He explained his choices:
“Messi, Ronaldo, and [Gonzalo] Higuain are my three favorite teammates in the world of football. Ronaldo is a champion. Playing with him at Juventus was wonderful. I learned about dedication to my profession and the desire to win, despite everything he had already achieved.”
Dybala also expressed his admiration for Messi, especially after sharing the experience of winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup together:
“Although my dream since I was a child was to play with Messi, he is already a constant inspiration. To have shared the World Cup victory with him is something I will never forget.”
Rivalry Turns to Respect
The story highlights how professional athletes can transcend rivalries and biases, forming bonds based on mutual respect. Dybala’s journey from idolizing Messi and “hating” Ronaldo to cherishing his time with both legends speaks volumes about their influence on him, both personally and professionally.
As Dybala continues his career, his experiences with Messi and Ronaldo remain defining moments, offering invaluable lessons and unforgettable memories from two of football’s greatest icons.