In a candid new interview, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi clarifies the nature of his relationship with longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing mutual respect despite their fierce on-field competition.
Miami, USA – June 20, 2025
Lionel Messi has spoken publicly about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that while the two football legends are not friends, there is mutual respect between them. The Argentine icon clarified that their legendary rivalry was strictly professional, and any competition was left entirely on the pitch.
In an exclusive interview with DSsports, Messi, now playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), addressed questions about his long-standing comparison with Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. The two have often been portrayed as fierce rivals throughout their careers, especially during their time in Spain, where they played on opposite sides of the iconic El Clásico divide — Messi for FC Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid.
“The competition with him was on the pitch,” Messi explained.
“Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field. Off the pitch, we are two normal people.”
The Argentine captain made it clear that although he and Ronaldo have never been close personally, there was never any animosity behind the scenes — only mutual professionalism and competitive spirit.
“We are not friends, we don’t spend time together,” Messi added.
“But we have always treated each other with respect.”
A Rivalry That Defined an Era
For over a decade, Messi and Ronaldo were the two dominant forces in world football, pushing each other to unprecedented heights. Their duels in La Liga between 2009 and 2018 became some of the most anticipated matchups in the sport, captivating millions of fans globally. They won a combined 13 Ballon d’Or awards (Messi with eight, Ronaldo with five), broke countless scoring records, and set new standards for consistency and excellence.
Despite the competitive fire that fueled their performances, both players have long maintained a civil, if distant, relationship. Their rivalry was more often hyped by fans and media than by the players themselves, who rarely exchanged public criticisms or controversy.
Their careers have since taken divergent paths. Ronaldo moved from Madrid to Juventus in 2018, then to Manchester United in 2021, and eventually to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023. Messi left Barcelona in 2021 for Paris Saint-Germain, and in 2023, made a high-profile switch to Inter Miami, sparking a wave of international attention on MLS.
Mutual Respect Over Friendship
Messi’s remarks are not the first time the Argentine has touched on the topic. Over the years, both players have acknowledged each other’s brilliance and contribution to football.
In 2019, during a joint appearance at the UEFA Champions League draw, Messi and Ronaldo were seen laughing and chatting amicably — a rare moment of public interaction that delighted fans.
“We’ve shared the stage for 15 years. I don’t know if it’s ever happened before — the same two guys in the same stage all the time,” Ronaldo said at the time.
“Of course, we have a good relationship. We haven’t had dinner together yet, but I hope in the future!”
Although that dinner hasn’t happened — and likely never will — Messi’s latest comments reaffirm that there is no personal grudge or lingering tension between the two.
Fans React to Messi’s Clarity
Social media was quick to react to Messi’s statements, with many fans appreciating the honesty and maturity in his reflections.
One X (formerly Twitter) user posted, “Messi keeping it classy as always. Competition doesn’t mean hate. Respect between GOATs.”
Another wrote, “I love how Messi always speaks with calm and dignity. He and Ronaldo gave us a golden era of football.”
Some fans even called for a farewell match featuring both players on the same team, a dream scenario that, while unlikely, continues to fuel fantasy matchups online.
A Legacy Beyond Rivalry
Despite their lack of personal closeness, both Messi and Ronaldo have become icons who transcended sport. Their influence has reshaped the global game, inspired countless young players, and generated billions of dollars in club and brand value.
Football analysts often debate who the “greatest of all time” truly is, but what’s universally acknowledged is that the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry elevated the sport during their overlapping primes. Each seemed to thrive off the other’s brilliance — a perfect storm of timing, talent, and tenacity.
“They made each other better,” said former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández in a 2022 interview.
“Without Cristiano, maybe Messi would have slowed down at some point. But he kept pushing, because someone else was always trying to catch up. And vice versa.”
Now entering the final chapters of their careers, both players are continuing to write new stories in new territories — Messi in the United States and Ronaldo in the Middle East — while maintaining the admiration of fans worldwide.
Final Words
As Lionel Messi sets the record straight on his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, his words reflect not rivalry, but realism. It’s a reminder that the greatest battles on the pitch can coexist with quiet respect off it.
While they may never share a dinner table or holiday together, the respect between Messi and Ronaldo is carved into football history — not in handshakes or headlines, but in every goal, trophy, and unforgettable night they created for a generation of fans.
