In a candid interview following his stunning free-kick goal for Inter Miami in their FIFA Club World Cup victory over Porto on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Lionel Messi addressed his long-standing relationship with fellow football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentine superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, clarified that while he and Ronaldo share mutual respect, they are not friends. The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the dynamic between two athletes who have dominated world football for nearly two decades, shaping the sport’s modern era with their unparalleled achievements.
Speaking to DSports, Messi reflected on the competitive rivalry that defined their careers, particularly during their time in Spain’s La Liga, where Messi starred for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid. “The competition between me and Cristiano was on the pitch, and each player wanted to give his best for his team,” Messi said. “But obviously everything between us was just on the pitch. Outside of it, we’re just two normal people. We’re not friends, of course, because we don’t spend time together, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect.” His comments underscore the professional nature of their relationship, dispelling notions of personal animosity while acknowledging the absence of a close personal bond.
The Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, which began when they first faced off in 2008, has been a defining narrative in football. Between them, the two have claimed 13 Ballon d’Or awards, with Messi securing eight and Ronaldo five, alongside countless records and trophies. Their battles in El Clásico matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid captivated global audiences, with each player pushing the other to new heights. Messi’s remarks echo sentiments expressed by Ronaldo earlier this year in an interview with El Chiringuito, where he described their relationship as one of professional respect rather than rivalry-fueled tension. “Those who love Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi and vice versa,” Messi added, emphasizing that their competition was a healthy one that elevated the sport. “We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football.”
Messi’s latest comments come at a time when both players are in the twilight of their careers, yet still performing at an elite level. At 37, Messi continues to dazzle in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, where his recent free-kick in the Club World Cup showcased his enduring brilliance. Meanwhile, Ronaldo, now 40, remains a prolific goal-scorer for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and recently celebrated Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph. Despite speculation that Ronaldo might join a Club World Cup team to face Messi in the United States this summer, the Portuguese star declined such offers, ensuring their paths did not cross in the tournament.
The mutual admiration between the two was further highlighted by Ronaldo’s own reflections earlier this month. Ahead of Portugal’s Nations League final against Spain, Ronaldo shared a lighthearted anecdote about translating for Messi at a gala event due to the Argentine’s limited English at the time. “I have a lot of affection for Messi,” Ronaldo said, as reported by Alfremartinezz and Fabrizio Romano. “We’ve been on stage together for 15 years. He always treated me well and respected me.” Ronaldo’s comments, paired with Messi’s recent remarks, paint a picture of two competitors who, while not close personally, share a profound respect forged through years of pushing each other to greatness.
Messi also addressed the broader impact of their rivalry, noting its significance to fans and the sport. “We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing,” he told DSports. “He’s followed his path, and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well, and so have I.” The statement reflects the maturity of two athletes who recognize their individual legacies while appreciating the other’s contributions to football’s global stage.