Ronaldo Was Motivated To Face His Rival Messi – Pirlo

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Ronaldo Was Motivated To Face His Rival Messi – Pirlo

Juventus head coach Andrea Pirlo said Cristiano Ronaldo was very motivated to face “eternal rival” Lionel Messi after his brace inspired a 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League.

Ronaldo and Messi faced each other in the Champions League for the first time since 2011 and the former came out on top at Camp Nou, where Juve displaced Barca to claim Group G on Tuesday.

Juve superstar Ronaldo, who left Real Madrid in 2018, became the first player in Champions League history to score two penalties in a single game against Barca, while Weston McKennie was also on target.

Ronaldo also took his tally to 14 goals in his past 13 visits to Barca in all competitions, more than any other away ground in his club senior career.

While Ronaldo downplayed his rivalry with Messi post-match, Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia:

“Ronaldo was very motivated to put in a good performance here against his eternal rival, so when you’re that motivated, it becomes simple.

“There are many games in a season and it’s easier to get fired up for fixtures like this, but we mustn’t lose sight of the real target, which is Serie A, so we have to be this concentrated and committed there too.”