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‘We’re not friends’: Lionel Messi on how relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo is based on mutual respect
Few rivalries in football—or in any sport—have captivated fans around the world like the one between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For more than 15 years, these two giants of the game dominated world football, often trading Ballon d’Ors, breaking each other’s records, and igniting passionate debates among fans and pundits alike. But despite the narrative of an intense personal rivalry, both Messi and Ronaldo have consistently maintained a tone of mutual respect in public discourse.
Recently, Lionel Messi once again underscored this respectful relationship, clarifying a common misconception: while he has immense admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, the two are not friends.
“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 told DSports.
The Argentine forward, who now plies his trade at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), said that their relationship has always been professional—anchored in the spirit of competition and shaped by their parallel yet distinct careers. “The competition with him was on the pitch,” Messi said. “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.”
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The Rivalry That Defined an Era
From the late 2000s until the early 2020s, Messi and Ronaldo dominated football like no duo had ever done before. While Messi was dazzling audiences with his magical dribbling, visionary passing, and record-breaking goal tallies at Barcelona, Ronaldo was evolving from a precocious winger at Manchester United into a prolific goalscoring machine at Real Madrid, Juventus, and later Al Nassr.
Their prime years coincided almost perfectly, turning each El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona into a global event. Every goal, assist, and trophy added to the intense scrutiny and comparison. Fans picked sides, analysts debated endlessly, and media outlets hyped up every possible angle of the “Messi vs. Ronaldo” conversation.
But beneath the surface of this legendary rivalry was an unspoken code of conduct—mutual admiration, professionalism, and class.
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Ronaldo Echoes the Sentiment
Messi’s recent remarks come shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo offered similar thoughts. Ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final against Spain, Ronaldo was asked about Messi and their long-standing rivalry.
“I have affection for Messi, although we have been rivals for many years,” Ronaldo said. “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.”
This admission echoed what football fans have come to understand: that the rivalry never involved hostility or personal resentment. Instead, it was a unique kind of dual ascension—two footballers pushing each other to greater heights, competing fiercely but fairly.
Why They Aren’t Friends
The notion that Messi and Ronaldo aren’t friends may disappoint fans hoping for a closer off-field bond between the two. But Messi clarified that this distance is purely circumstantial, not emotional.
“We don’t spend time together, so we never developed a friendship. That’s all it is,” he said.
Indeed, their paths outside of football rarely intersected. Messi is known for being quiet, reserved, and intensely private. Ronaldo, though charismatic and confident, has always focused on family, training, and business ventures. Their differing personalities and lifestyles, combined with the intense spotlight they shared, likely left little room for a more personal connection.
Nonetheless, when the two did share the stage—be it at Ballon d’Or ceremonies or post-match exchanges—there was always a clear sense of professionalism, even warmth. In fact, during a 2019 UEFA event, both were seen sharing laughs and compliments, offering fans a rare glimpse into their cordial dynamic.
A Testament to Longevity
What makes their mutual respect even more admirable is the consistency of their careers. Messi, now 37, continues to dazzle in the MLS, while Ronaldo, at 40, remains a key figure for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and the Portuguese national team.
Both players have defied age and redefined what longevity means in professional football. Messi’s most recent achievement—scoring a match-winning free kick to secure a 2-1 win for Inter Miami against Portuguese giants FC Porto in the Club World Cup—marked yet another historic milestone: it was the first time a CONCACAF team had defeated a European side in an official FIFA competition.
His performance was vintage Messi—composed, creative, and decisive. After a disappointing draw in their opening match against Egyptian side Al Ahly, Inter Miami needed inspiration. As always, Messi delivered.
This victory was not just another win; it was a reminder of Messi’s enduring influence in the game and a reflection of the same competitive spirit that defined his rivalry with Ronaldo.
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From Rivals to Icons
As both players enter the twilight of their careers, the narrative has shifted. The focus is no longer on who is better—Messi or Ronaldo—but rather on what they’ve meant to the sport. Together, they have scored more than 1,500 goals, won dozens of trophies, and redefined greatness in football.
For a generation of fans, Messi and Ronaldo weren’t just players; they were symbols of excellence. Their duels became moments of shared history. Their highlights became part of football’s cultural fabric.
And now, as they move into different roles—Messi as MLS ambassador and global football icon, Ronaldo as a veteran leader and symbol of unmatched physical longevity—their legacies are increasingly intertwined, not as rivals, but as two halves of a golden age.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Built on Respect
The relationship between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo was never about animosity—it was about ambition, excellence, and mutual respect. While they may never be close friends, they have given each other the ultimate professional compliment: pushing one another to be better.
“We’re not friends,” Messi said. But in many ways, their relationship transcends friendship. It’s a shared legacy—a bond forged not through camaraderie, but through the highest form of respect that athletes can show: relentless competition and admiration.
As the curtain begins to fall on their illustrious playing careers, fans can look back not just on goals and trophies, but on a rivalry that elevated the beautiful game. And in that sense, Messi and Ronaldo will always be connected—forever.
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