Lionel Messi has once again addressed his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, clarifying that while the two share immense respect for each other, they are not friends. In a recent interview with DSports, following Inter Miami's victory over Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Messi opened up about his long-standing rivalry with the Portuguese superstar.
"I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he's had and continues to have, because he's still competing at the highest level," Messi stated. He emphasized that their competition was primarily confined to the pitch, where both players were driven to perform their best for their respective teams. "The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field."
Messi explained that their lack of friendship stems from the limited interaction they have off the field. "Off the pitch, we are two normal people. We're not friends obviously because we don't spend time together, but we've always treated each other with a lot of respect." This sentiment echoes Messi's previous comments from a 2017 interview, where he noted that friendships are built on shared time and experiences, which he and Ronaldo have not had.
Ronaldo has also reciprocated this sentiment of respect. In an interview earlier this year with El Chiringuito, Ronaldo affirmed that he has a "good relationship" with Messi and described their rivalry as "healthy." He recalled a humorous moment translating for Messi at an award ceremony, highlighting their ability to get along despite being competitors.
The Messi-Ronaldo rivalry has dominated the football landscape for well over a decade, particularly during their time in La Liga, where Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid. Their battles for titles, individual awards, and records have captivated audiences worldwide and fueled countless debates over who is the greatest of all time. Together, they have won an astounding 13 Ballon d'Or awards, with Messi holding a record eight and Ronaldo five.
Even as they approach the twilight of their careers, with Ronaldo now 40 and Messi turning 38 next week, both players continue to shine for their respective clubs. Messi recently demonstrated his brilliance by scoring a stunning free-kick for Inter Miami in their Club World Cup match against Porto, marking a historic win for the CONCACAF team. Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to pursue his 1000th career goal while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
While fans may have hoped to see a rekindling of their rivalry at the 2025 Club World Cup, it ultimately did not materialize. Nevertheless, their impact on the sport remains undeniable, and their names will forever be linked in football history.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi's recent remarks provide clarity on his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. While a close friendship may not exist due to limited personal interaction, the two legends share a deep mutual respect forged through years of intense competition and admiration for each other's accomplishments. Their rivalry, one of the greatest in sports history, has pushed them both to achieve extraordinary heights and has left an indelible mark on the world of football.
