The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will forever go down in history as one of the most interesting in football.
For more than a decade, football fans around the world have passionately debated who the greatest of all time (GOAT) truly is between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. This long-standing debate is deeply subjective, with each player boasting a legendary career filled with extraordinary achievements and unforgettable moments.
Messi has secured 8 Ballon d’Or titles, a FIFA World Cup, over 320 assists, and countless goals that highlight his playmaking prowess, vision, and brilliance on the field. Meanwhile, Ronaldo leads the all-time goal-scoring charts with a staggering 938 goals, 5 UEFA Champions League titles, and most recently added a 2025 UEFA Nations League victory to his already impressive collection of silverware.
Despite the fierce rivalry that has existed between them throughout their careers—particularly during their time in Spain with Barcelona and Real Madrid—both superstars have consistently maintained a respectful attitude towards one another. While their competition has often sparked heated fan debates, the two legends have kept things professional and sportsmanlike.
In a recent interview, Lionel Messi became the latest of the iconic duo to speak publicly about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, once again showing mutual admiration and respect for his long-time counterpart.
What did Lionel Messi say about Cristiano Ronaldo?
"I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, and for the career he’s had and continues to have. He is still competing at the highest level. The competition with him was on the pitch… Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Everything stayed on the pitch. Off the pitch, we are two normal guys. We’re not friends because we don’t spend time together, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect."
Messi’s comments once again confirm what many fans and pundits have observed over the years: that while they may not share a personal friendship or close off-pitch relationship, there has always been a healthy mutual respect between these two generational talents.
As Messi now turns his focus to the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, he will be looking to add yet another prestigious trophy to his already remarkable career. Winning the tournament would further cement his legacy and offer another chance to showcase his brilliance on the global stage.