By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Football legend Lionel Messi has clarified the nature of his relationship with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, saying while they were never friends.
He said mutual respect and admiration have always defined their dynamic.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with DSsports, the Argentine star reflected on years of fierce competition with Ronaldo, particularly during their peak years at Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively.
“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had and continues to have,” Messi said, adding: “Because he’s still competing at the highest level.”
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history alongside Ronaldo, emphasised that their rivalry was strictly professional.
“The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team,” he explained, adding that “Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field.”
For over a decade, Messi and Ronaldo dominated the global football stage, pushing each other to extraordinary heights and redefining standards for consistency, goal-scoring, and personal accolades.
Yet, despite their overlapping timelines and intertwined legacies, Messi made it clear that a personal friendship never developed between them.
“Off the pitch, we are two normal people,” he said. “We’re not friends, obviously, because we don’t spend time together, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect.”
The comments come at a time when both players are in the twilight of their careers, with Messi currently plying his trade at Inter Miami in the MLS and Ronaldo playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Despite the geographical and league separation, the rivalry remains a touchpoint in football history.
