Lionel Messi insists he is not friends with Cristiano Ronaldo despite having “a lot of respect” for the Portugal legend.
Messi and Ronaldo went head-to-head at the top of world football for over a decade, with the pair winning all but two of the Ballon d’Or trophies awarded between 2008 and 2023.
The pair may be entering the twilight of their illustrious careers, but they are still competing for some of the highest honours the sport has to offer.
Ronaldo just inspired Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League final, while Messi scored in Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup win against Porto.
The Argentine forward believes the pair have always treated each other with respect, despite not being close off the pitch.
“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 competition with him was on the pitch. 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.”
Messi currently has eight Ballon d’Or crowns to his name, while Ronaldo has won five.