Lionel Messi discusses his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing mutual respect despite their intense on-field rivalry.
The intense rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been well-documented over the years. However, despite their on-field battles, the two football legends have always maintained respect for each other.
After Inter Miami's match against Porto at the FIFA Club World Cup, Messi opened up about his relationship with Ronaldo, stating that while they are not friends in the traditional sense, there has always been mutual respect between them. "I hold a deep respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and everything he has achieved in his career," Messi said.
Rivalry rooted in passion
Messi acknowledged that their rivalry was purely driven by their desire to give everything for their respective teams. "Our rivalry was purely on the pitch, driven by our desire to give everything for our respective teams. Off the field, we’re just ordinary people," he explained adding, "While we’re not friends in the traditional sense, as we don’t socialize, there has always been mutual respect between us."
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The two football icons have taken different paths in their careers, with Ronaldo currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Messi starring for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Despite this, fans around the world still hold onto the hope of seeing them share the pitch as teammates before they retire.
Messi’s heroics against Porto
Messi's comments came after Inter Miami's impressive 2-1 win over FC Porto in the Group A match of the ongoing Club World Cup. Messi's stunning goal from a free kick proved to be the decisive factor in the match, as Inter Miami came from behind to clinch victory.
With 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them, Messi and Ronaldo have rewritten the history books on numerous occasions.
