Off the pitch, we are two normal people. We’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect.
Lionel Messi has addressed his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, clarifying that while the two football legends are not personal friends, there is mutual admiration and respect between them.
Speaking to DSsports, the Inter Miami star reflected on their fierce competition during their La Liga days, when Messi starred for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid.
“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 said.
“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.”
Though now continents apart—Messi in MLS and Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia—the debate over who is the greatest of their era continues.