Lionel Messi is currently representing Inter Miami in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025. He recently grabbed headlines with a stunning free-kick winner in their last match against FC Porto. With one group match remaining, Inter Miami now focus on qualifying for the Round of 16.
Ahead of their next clash, a few clips of Messi speaking about his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, have gone viral on social media. In the interaction with DSports, Messi opened up about his relationship with the Portuguese superstar — a topic that has fascinated fans across the globe for more than a decade.
Messi and Ronaldo have shared one of football’s most iconic rivalries, competing at the highest level for over 15 years. Debates still rage among fans over who is the greatest of all time, but both players have often shown mutual admiration and respect off the field.
“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 said. “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. 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.”
“I have affection for Messi” – Ronaldo
Ronaldo also recently spoke about Messi during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Nations League final, where Portugal went on to defeat Spain to lift the trophy. He praised the Argentine legend and reflected on their long-standing rivalry.
“I have affection for Messi, although we have been rivals for many years. As I have said in several interviews, we were on stage for 15 years. I translated for him at the galas. I have affection for him because he always respected me a lot,” Ronaldo had said.
Hence, the two legends may not be close off the field, but their mutual respect continues to inspire fans around the world.
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