Cristiano Ronaldo captures headlines once again, not just for clinching his third title with Portugal, but for sharing a heartfelt moment that hints at deep mutual respect with longtime rival Lionel Messi.

It’s almost five years since Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo last faced off in a competitive fixture, and it looks increasingly unlikely we’ll never see it happen again as they wind down their careers in different footballing orbits.

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Over the course of his career, he had a sporting rivalry with Lionel Messi. With many not anticipating Ronaldo to stay many more years in professional soccer,