Messi rivalry has made me a better player - Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo says his rivalry with Lionel Messi has propelled them both to new heights – and hopes to have dinner with the Barcelona star in the future.

The pair, who have scrapped over the Ballon d’Or over the last decade, enjoyed a famous personal duel while at Real Madrid and Barca.

 Ronaldo has since swapped the Spanish capital for Juventus, where is hoping to deliver a Champions League to the Italian champions in 1996.

I really admire the career he has had and from his side, he has already talked of the disappointment when I left Spain because it was a rivalry that he appreciated, Ronaldo told TVI in Portugal.

It's a good rivalry but it's not unique -- Michael Jordan had rivalries in basketball, there was Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in Formula 1. The thing they all had in common is that they were healthy rivalries.

I have no doubt that Messi has made me a better player and vice-versa. When I am winning trophies it must sting him and it's the same for me when he wins.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid helps Lionel Messi of BarcelonaGetty Images

And while the 34-year-old admitted that they had never socialised, he offered an olive branch for the future.

I have an excellent professional relationship because we have been sharing the same moments for 15 years.

We've never had dinner together but I don't see why we can't in the future. I don't see a problem with that.