Lionel Messi Confesses He’s NOT Friends with Cristiano Ronaldo – Reveals Shocking Truth About Their Rivalry!
Lionel Messi Discusses Relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi has shared insights into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing that they are not close friends. Despite being two of the most successful and decorated footballers in history, their interactions have largely been professional, with limited personal contact.
Both players have accumulated nearly 2,000 goals for their clubs and national teams. Messi has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or eight times, while Ronaldo has secured it five times. As they approach the end of their careers—Messi turning 38 next week and Ronaldo 40—they are still frequently compared as potential all-time greats.
Currently, Ronaldo plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, and Messi is with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Although their paths almost crossed at the upcoming Club World Cup, Ronaldo opted out of transferring to clubs participating in the revamped tournament. When they have faced each other, it has been mostly in rivalry for club or country, not personal friendship.
On Their Relationship
Messi acknowledged that he respects Ronaldo’s career and maintains a professional rivalry. He told DSports: “I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo and his continued performance at the highest level. Our competition has always been on the pitch; off it, we are just two normal people who haven’t spent much time together.”
His previous comments confirm this stance. In 2017, Messi explained to Marca that their limited interaction is due to infrequent meetings mainly at awards ceremonies, and that their lives don’t often cross paths.
Mutual Respect
In an interview earlier this year, Ronaldo expressed that he shares a good rapport with Messi, highlighting their “healthy rivalry.” He recalled translating for Messi at an award ceremony and emphasized that they get along well. Ronaldo leads in total goals scored, with 938 compared to Messi’s 866, exemplifying their competitive spirit.
Lionel Messi, above, has spoken openly about his distant relationship with Ronaldo.