Messi Clears the Air: “We’re Not Friends” — Opens Up on Rivalry and Respect for Ronaldo

Lionel Messi has addressed the long-standing debate surrounding his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, declaring they are not friends but share deep mutual respect. Speaking to DSsports on June 18, 2025, the Inter Miami captain revealed that their legendary rivalry was purely professional and never crossed into personal animosity.

Both men dominated world football for over a decade, particularly during their fierce El Clasico duels between 2009 and 2018. Messi, then at Barcelona, and Ronaldo, at Real Madrid, turned Spanish football into a global theatre of greatness. Fans split into camps, fueling one of the most iconic rivalries in sports history.

Messi acknowledged the impact of their competition, saying: “I have a lot of admiration for Cristiano. He’s still playing at the top level. Our rivalry was about pushing each other to be better for our teams. But off the pitch, we’re just two professionals doing our job. We don’t have a friendship because we don’t share personal time, but there’s always been respect.”

Despite now playing on different continents—Messi in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami and Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr—the GOAT debate continues to rage. Between them, they’ve amassed 13 Ballon d’Or awards, over 1,700 career goals, and millions of loyal fans.

During the interview, Messi emphasized that greatness doesn’t require friendship. “Not being friends doesn’t mean you’re enemies. We’ve both always wanted to be the best, and maybe that drive helped each of us achieve more,” he explained.

Their careers remain a case study in competitive excellence. While Ronaldo lifted the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League golden boot, Messi recently led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS playoff appearance and now eyes a 2026 World Cup run with Argentina.

The conversation may have started with rivalry, but it’s ending with legacy. Messi and Ronaldo may never vacation together—but they’ve carved a bond through history that transcends handshakes or selfies.