Leadnaija
Lionel Messi has opened up about his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing the mutual respect between the two legends despite years of fierce competition.
“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had—and continues to have,” Messi said in a recent interview. “He is still competing at the highest level.”
Reflecting on their on-field battles, the Argentine forward noted that their rivalry was always professional.
“The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Everything stayed on the pitch,” he added.
Messi clarified that while they are not close friends due to not spending time together off the field, the relationship has always been courteous.
“Off the pitch, we are two normal guys. We’re not friends, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect,” he stated.
The remarks are the latest sign of how both players—widely considered two of the greatest in football history—view their historic rivalry as a chapter marked by excellence rather than animosity.
