Messi: “I’m not friends with Ronaldo, but I respect him”

Lionel Messi has addressed the long-debated nature of his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, stating plainly: they aren’t friends, but they respect each other immensely.

In a recent interview with DSsports, the Inter Miami star and Argentina captain clarified that although he and Ronaldo don’t have a personal bond, there’s never been bad blood, just fierce competition.

“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 said.

The football icons spent nearly a decade battling it out in Spain’s La Liga, Messi with Barcelona, Ronaldo with Real Madrid, elevating the El Clasico rivalry and thrilling fans with their relentless pursuit of greatness.

“The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team,” Messi explained. “Everything stayed on the field.”

Messi also praised Ronaldo’s longevity, acknowledging the Portuguese forward’s continued success with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had and continues to have. He’s still competing at the highest level.”

Though their paths have diverged, Messi in Major League Soccer, Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, their legacies remain intertwined. And while the world continues to debate who is the greatest of their era, both legends appear to agree on one thing: mutual respect trumps rivalry.