Lionel Messi acknowledged Cristiano Ronaldo with praise, calling their years of rivalry respectful and professional.
Messi made the comments following Inter Miami’s win in a Club World Cup match. Messi scored against Port FC and later spoke with DSports about Ronaldo.
“I have great respect and admiration for Cristiano,” Messi said. “The way he built his career and how he still competes at the highest level is truly impressive.”
Ronaldo, now 40, recently ranked second on the top scorers’ list in the UEFA Nations League. Despite his age, he remains a key figure for both Al Nassr and Portugal.
The two football icons were once expected to meet in the ongoing Club World Cup. That didn’t happen. Ronaldo’s side stayed out of the final stages.
Messi acknowledged the missed chance but didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he opened up about how he sees Ronaldo beyond the pitch.
“Our rivalry was always on the field,” Messi said. “We both wanted to do our best for our teams. That’s where it stayed.”
He added, “Off the pitch, we’re just regular people. “We’re not friends—we’ve never really spent time together. But there’s always been mutual respect.”
For years, fans have debated who is the greater player. That discussion still divides football audiences across continents.
But Messi’s words offered a different take—less about stats or trophies, more about human respect.
The conversation brought back an old quote often used in sports circles: “Rivals, not enemies.”
And coming from Messi, it felt like that idea finally landed.
