Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have long been fierce rivals on the football pitch, competing for over 15 years to secure their places as two of the greatest players of all time. While their rivalry is best known in the world of sports, their competitive spirit has extended beyond the field on more than one occasion. One such instance occurred when both athletes found themselves bidding for an incredibly rare car at a prestigious auction.
During their European playing careers, Messi made his name with Barcelona and later with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), while Ronaldo earned his fame at clubs like Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Their careers have been marked by immense success, with Messi now plying his trade in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Inter Miami, and Ronaldo currently playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr. Between them, they have collected an astounding 13 Ballon d’Or awards—Messi winning eight and Ronaldo five—further solidifying their legendary statuses.
Messi’s legacy includes ten La Liga titles and four Champions League victories with Barcelona, along with domestic league triumphs at PSG. On the other hand, Ronaldo has secured league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, as well as five Champions League titles during his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid. Their success also extends to international competitions, with Ronaldo winning the European Championship and the Nations League with Portugal, and Messi claiming two Copa América titles and the World Cup with Argentina. Their accomplishments on the global stage, paired with their club-level accolades, have earned them universal recognition as two of the greatest footballers in history.
Messi Outbids Ronaldo for Ultra-Rare Ferrari 335 S Spider in Historic Auction
However, their rivalry once took a surprising turn when both Messi and Ronaldo found themselves in direct competition at the 2016 Retromobile auction in Paris. The object of their desire was an exceptionally rare Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti, one of only four models ever produced between 1957 and 1958. This stunning piece of automotive history boasts a powerful V12 engine, nearly 400 brake horsepower, and a top speed of 186 mph, all wrapped in Ferrari’s iconic red paint.
As the bidding escalated, the stakes rose quickly, and it was Messi who ultimately outbid Ronaldo, securing the car for a staggering £27 million. The auction became a headline-grabbing event, with the massive sum reflecting not only the rarity of the car but also the intense competition between these two sporting icons. To mark the occasion, Messi humorously posted a photo on Instagram featuring a toy Ferrari from the animated film Cars with the caption, “My new car,” in a playful nod to the real-life bidding war.
Given Messi’s vast fortune accumulated from his illustrious football career, the £27 million purchase likely made little impact on his overall finances. The car’s acquisition stands as yet another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo, a rivalry that has transcended football and entered the world of luxury and collectibles. This unexpected moment highlights just how far these two icons are willing to go, even off the field, to assert their dominance over one another.
READ MORE: Kevin De Bruyne Set to Miss Arsenal ClashTitle Race Hangs in the Balance
READ MORE: Carlo Ancelotti Eyes Tactical Overhaul to Fit Mbappé and Endrick Into Real Madrid Lineup