Cristiano Ronaldo downplays rivalry with Lionel Messi

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he is more focused on victory than outshining Lionel Messi in Saturday's El Clasico against Barcelona.

Ronaldo has netted a La Liga record 15 goals in seven matches this season, while Messi could break the all-time league scoring record at the Bernabeu.


However, the world footballer of the year downplayed any individual rivalry.

"I am not going to play against Messi, I am going to playing against Barcelona," Ronaldo, 29, said.

Argentine forward Messi, 27, will equal Telmo Zarra's league total of 251 goals if he scores at the Bernabeu, a record that has stood for almost 60 seasons.

Barcelona lead La Liga with 22 points after eight games, and will go seven points clear of Real Madrid if they win at the Bernabeu on Saturday.


Credit: BBC Sport