The Argentine star was pleased to see his rival notch a hat trick in Portugal's playoff win over Sweden on Tuesday.
Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi says he was pleased to see Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo seal Portugal's qualification for World Cup 2014.
Ronaldo,
28, scored a stunning hat trick in the second leg of the 4-2 aggregate
victory over Sweden in Tuesday's World Cup playoff to ensure Portugal's
place in Brazil. Messi lauded the Real Madrid star for his display and
spoke of his happiness at seeing his rival's side qualify for next
year's tournament.
"I was very happy for him when he scored those
goals," Messi told reporters. "It's just great when the best teams
compete in Brazil, and Cristiano has had a great scoring rate for many
years. I don't know if this is Cristiano's best moment, but he is always
there, scoring goals in all the games and playing his part for his club
and his country. He has been like that for many years. Whether he is at
his best, or a bit below that, there is almost no difference."
Messi,
who picked up the Golden Shoe for a record third time after netting 46
times in La Liga last season, is hoping to add the World Cup with
Argentina to an impressive list of awards next summer.
"Certainly,
to win the World Cup is a dream for me, my teammates and all of
Argentina," he said. "We need to improve a couple of things, but there
are still seven months until the tournament starts. Hopefully we can win
there, but a lot of nations can do it."
The 26-year-old, who is
expected be out for eight weeks after tearing his hamstring, also
emphasized he has no intention of leaving Barca, despite suggestions
that he would appreciate a different challenge.
"My intention is
to stay with Barcelona for good," he said. "I am grateful if what they
say is true and there are people interested. It makes you proud that
they say such things. But my life is with Barcelona."
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