Messi: Ramos was my fiercest Clásico rival

Lionel Messi has opened up about his most intense rival during his time in Spain, identifying Sergio Ramos as the player he had the most clashes with in El Clásico matches.

Messi and Ramos had numerous fierce encounters when Messi played for Barcelona and Ramos was the defensive stalwart for Real Madrid. Their rivalry, characterized by heated exchanges and competitive spirit, took an unexpected turn when they became teammates at Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

Speaking on his nephew's YouTube show about the player he argued with the most during his career, Messi said, "We fought a lot with Sergio Ramos. We later became teammates, but [before] in the Clásicos, we always grabbed each other. The Clásicos were intense."

Accompanying this revelation, an image captured the intensity of their rivalry: Lionel Messi tussling with Sergio Ramos during El Clásico in March 2020.

Ramos, on his part, has previously hailed Messi as "the best player football ever produced."

On Tuesday, Sevilla announced that Ramos would be departing the club. The former Spain captain returned to his boyhood club last summer after two seasons at PSG, where he scored seven goals in 37 appearances.

Despite having the option to extend his stay at Sevilla, the veteran defender decided against it, making it clear he isn't considering retirement. "Absolutely not," Ramos stated regarding quitting the sport. "I feel physically fit. I am hungry to continue playing. I see myself playing for one or two years. I had the option to stay at Sevilla but I've taken a personal decision."

Ramos, a World Cup-winner with Spain and a two-time European champion, has been linked with a potential move to MLS, where he could cross paths with Messi once more. Messi, Argentina's captain, joined Inter Miami in MLS in July 2023 after his contract at PSG expired.

"I haven't taken a decision yet," Ramos mentioned. "I have not signed anything with any club. Fortunately, I have interesting options. I've earned the right to decide my future and that of my family."

Adding to the speculation, Ramos recently traveled to Dallas to support Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic during the NBA finals. This visit has fueled rumors of a possible MLS move. "I am a great fan of the NBA and I have a good rapport with Luka Doncic from our time at Real Madrid," Ramos explained. "But I didn't go to Dallas because of anything relating to my future. USA has always attracted me because of the quality of life, but that has nothing to do with taking a big decision."