“I’m not saying we’re friends, we’re professional colleagues” - When Cristiano Ronaldo made big admission on Lionel Messi rivalry
Cristiano Ronaldo claimed in 2023 that his rivalry with Lionel Messi was over and said they continue to respect each other as professional colleagues. Messi and Ronaldo's rivalry is considered one of the best rivalries in football, with both players considered two of the greatest to have ever graced the sport.
In January 2023, Ronaldo left European football to join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr from Manchester United. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi left Europe to join MLS outfit Inter Miami from Paris St-Germain (PSG) in June 2023, supposedly ending their decade-long rivalry.
In a press conference in September 2023, Ronaldo addressed his rivalry with Messi and said (via ESPN):
"I don't see things like that, the rivalry is gone. It was good, the spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa. We've done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing."
The Portugal international said that the two have mutual respect for each other and added:
"He's followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. From what I've seen, he's been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on but I don't see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I'm not saying we're friends, I've never had dinner with him but we're professional colleagues and we respect each other."
In careers spanning almost two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have faced each other 36 times (excluding friendlies).
Their rivalry peaked between 2009 to 2018 when they played in Spain for Barcelona and Real Madrid. Messi has scored 22 goals in matches against Ronaldo while the Portuguese international scored 21 times against Messi's sides.
"We fed off each other's rivalry" - Lionel Messi on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo
Shortly after winning his record eighth Ballon d'Or award in Paris in October 2023, Lionel Messi spoke to LE'quippe about his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentine said (via GOAL):
"It was a great battle, from a sporting point of view. We fed off each other's rivalry because we're both great competitors. He, too, always wanted to win everything, all the time. It was a very enjoyable time for both of us and for everyone who loves football."
Messi also suggested that both he and Ronaldo deserve credit for dominating football for so many years. He added:
"I think we deserve a lot of credit for having managed to stay at the top for so long. Because as they say, it's easy to get there. What's difficult is staying there. And we stayed at the top for ten, fifteen years. It's very difficult to stay at that level and it's spectacular. And I think it remains a good memory for all those who followed us."
Cristiano Ronaldo just hit another milestone in his career after scoring 900 career goals. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has been recovering from an ankle injury since the 2024 Copa America final.