Lionel Messi has addressed long-standing public curiosity about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, offering candid reflections on the nature of their bond. While fans have long speculated about the dynamic between the two football icons, Messi made it clear that, despite years of intense rivalry, they are not friends though they share mutual respect.
Speaking in a recent interview, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged the incredible achievements of his long-time Portuguese counterpart. “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 explained.
Their rivalry, which spanned more than a decade and reached its peak when Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid, was one of the fiercest and most celebrated in modern sports. According to Messi, the competition was purely professional. “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,” he said.
Despite sharing the stage countless times at major award ceremonies, Messi clarified that their personal relationship never extended beyond their professional encounters. “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.”
Messi’s recent remarks are in line with views he has expressed in the past. He once noted that friendship develops through shared experiences and personal interaction something that never truly existed between him and Ronaldo. He emphasized that although they crossed paths occasionally at events, those brief interactions didn’t lay the foundation for a personal connection.
Cristiano Ronaldo has previously described their relationship as one defined by “healthy rivalry,” adding that he and Messi got along despite the media often framing them as fierce enemies. The competition between the two legends spurred both to greater heights, shaping an entire generation of football.
Over the years, Messi and Ronaldo have amassed a combined total of nearly 1,800 goals for club and country. Ronaldo currently tops the all-time goal-scoring chart with 938 goals, while Messi has scored 866. Each player has also lifted major titles at both club and international levels, solidifying their legacies as two of the greatest footballers in history.
Though they may not be close off the pitch, Messi and Ronaldo’s careers remain inextricably linked a story of mutual greatness defined by years of excellence, competition, and enduring respect.
