‎'We’re Not Friends' – Lionel Messi Opens Up on Mutual Respect and Admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo

By: Shawn
‎Lionel Messi has spoken candidly about his personal dynamic with Cristiano Ronaldo, clarifying that despite their legendary rivalry, the two football icons are not friends off the pitch. The Argentine star emphasized that this reality has nothing to do with animosity, but rather the limited opportunities they have had to spend time together.
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‎Lionel Messi explains his real relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, stressing mutual respect, on-pitch rivalry, and admiration despite not being friends.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎Messi explained that throughout their careers, circumstances rarely allowed their paths to align. Even during their peak years in Spain, when both dominated world football, they represented opposite sides of one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries. Messi led Barcelona while Ronaldo starred for Real Madrid, placing them on opposing ends of the intense El Clasico divide.
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‎Today, their careers continue on different continents. Ronaldo is plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, while Messi features in Major League Soccer for Inter Miami. Although fans around the world have long hoped to see the two superstars unite before retirement, such a scenario remains only a wish for now.
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‎Interestingly, there was a chance for both players to appear in the same competition this summer. Inter Miami are involved in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, but Ronaldo opted against moves that would have seen him join a club participating in that tournament.
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‎Speaking to DSports, Messi shared his honest perspective on their relationship. He expressed deep respect and admiration for Ronaldo, highlighting the Portuguese forward’s remarkable career and continued presence at the highest level of the game. Messi noted that their rivalry was strictly confined to the pitch, where both were driven by a desire to give everything for their respective teams.
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‎Off the field, Messi described them as ordinary individuals who simply do not spend time together. While they are not friends, he stressed that their interactions have always been marked by mutual respect.
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‎Between them, Messi and Ronaldo have claimed an astonishing 13 Ballon d’Or awards and set countless records that define football history. Ronaldo, now 40, continues his pursuit of the milestone 1,000 career goals, while World Cup winner Messi is set to celebrate his 38th birthday on Tuesday.

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