Lionel Messi has offered a rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that while there is immense mutual respect, they are "not friends." The comments come after Messi's impressive performance for Inter Miami in the Club World Cup 2025, where he scored a stunning free-kick to secure a 2-1 victory against FC Porto.
In an interview with DSports, Messi addressed the long-standing comparisons and rivalry between himself and Ronaldo. He emphasized that their competition was primarily confined to the pitch, with both players striving to achieve the best for their respective teams. "The competition with him was on the pitch," Messi explained. "Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field."
Off the field, Messi clarified that their interactions are limited. "Off the pitch, we are two normal people," he stated. "We're not friends obviously because we don't spend time together, but we've always treated each other with a lot of respect." This sentiment echoes previous statements made by Messi regarding his relationship with Ronaldo, where he noted that their lives simply don't cross over very often due to their professional commitments and geographical separation. Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Messi is with Inter Miami in the MLS.
Despite not being close friends, Messi expressed admiration for Ronaldo's illustrious career and continued competitiveness at the highest level. "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 affirmed.
The two legends first faced each other in 2008 and have since competed in 36 matches for club and country. Messi has won 16 of those matches, scoring 22 goals with 11 assists, while Ronaldo has 21 goals and one assist.
Their time together in Spain, with Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Real Madrid, intensified the rivalry as both legends battled across countless El Clasico showdowns. Together, they redefined goalscoring, racking up over 1,500 goals and countless accolades, yet the debate over who is greater still rages on.
While fans have often dreamed of seeing Messi and Ronaldo unite on the same team before they retire, Messi could have found himself gracing the same tournament as Ronaldo this summer, as Inter Miami competed at the FIFA Club World Cup, but Ronaldo reportedly turned down offers from clubs involved in the competition hosted in the U.S.
Messi's recent comments provide a mature perspective on a rivalry that has captivated the football world for well over a decade. While their paths may not lead to a traditional friendship, the respect and admiration between these two icons remain evident. As both players continue to compete at a high level in the twilight years of their careers, their legacy as two of the greatest footballers of all time is firmly cemented.
