We’re Not Friends – Messi Sets the Record Straight on Ronaldo

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Lionel Messi has spoken candidly about his long-time counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that while they’ve shared years of fierce competition, their relationship has never gone beyond mutual respect.

In an interview with DSsports, the Inter Miami forward made it clear that their rivalry was confined to the pitch.

“The competition with him was on the pitch. Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field,” Messi said. “Off the pitch, we are two normal people. We are not friends, we don’t spend time together. But we have always treated each other with respect.”

For years, Messi and Ronaldo stood on opposite sides of the El Clasico divide, representing Barcelona and Real Madrid. Today, their careers continue on separate paths—Ronaldo with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Messi in Major League Soccer.

Despite never forming a personal bond, both players remain linked by one of the most celebrated rivalries in sports history.