Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have continued to play on because of their competitive spirit which means they 'can't stand each other', claims Jamie Carragher.

Ronaldo netted a hat-trick for Al-Nassr against Al-Wehda this weekend, taking his goal tally for the season to 47 strikes, before Messi dazzled for Inter Miami by grabbing five assists plus a goal of his own in a 6-2 win over New York Red Bulls.

The two superstars have been comfortably the best players on the planet over the last two decades, scoring 1,500 goals between them - with Messi claiming eight Ballon d'Ors and Ronaldo earning five. 

Ronaldo, 39, and Messi, 36, have endured a rivalry that became apparent as they battled for the acclaimed individual prize across many years and Liverpool legend Carragher believes their longevity is down to their hatred for each other as they are constantly trying to 'outshine' each other. 

Speaking to Football365, he said: 'They definitely made each other better. But I think they probably can’t appreciate that until they’ve finished. While they’re playing, I bet they can’t stand each other.