Messi Speaks on Ronaldo Rivalry: “We’re Not Friends, But There’s Mutual Respect” Barcelona, Spain — June 20, 2025
In a rare and candid statement, global football icon Lionel Messi has opened up about his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, offering fresh insight into a decade-long battle that defined modern football. The Argentine legend took to social media to address the dynamic between him and his Portuguese counterpart, emphasizing mutual respect over friendship.
The statement, which quickly went viral, read:
“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.”
In a rivalry often dramatized by fans and media alike, Messi sought to clarify the nature of their relationship, both on and off the pitch.
“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.”
A Rivalry That Shaped an Era
From their early days in La Liga — Messi donning the Barcelona colors and Ronaldo leading Real Madrid — the pair pushed each other to extraordinary heights. Between them, they share 13 Ballon d’Or titles, hundreds of goals, and countless individual and team accolades. Their rivalry became the centerpiece of El Clásico, elevating not only their own legacies but the global profile of Spanish football during the 2010s.
While fans often took sides, comparing records and debating greatness, Messi and Ronaldo have largely maintained professionalism and dignity, rarely engaging in the media circus that surrounded them.
A Moment of Reflection
Messi’s remarks come at a time when both players are in the twilight stages of their illustrious careers, though still performing at remarkable levels. Ronaldo, now playing in the Saudi Pro League, continues to break records and lead his team with characteristic determination, while Messi, who recently celebrated winning another continental title with Argentina, continues to thrive in Major League Soccer.
Many fans and pundits saw Messi’s post as a respectful closing note on one of the sport’s greatest duels.
“It’s the end of an era,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “Seeing Messi talk about Ronaldo like this shows the class he’s always had. True greatness recognizes greatness.”
Others echoed similar sentiments:
“They didn’t have to be friends to be legendary. Their respect for each other made the rivalry even more beautiful.”
Beyond Football
Though they may never share the kind of off-field friendship seen between other players, Messi’s message reinforces the maturity and respect that characterized their shared journey. In an age where sporting rivalries often turn toxic, his comments stand as a reminder that competition can coexist with admiration.
As the footballing world slowly prepares to bid farewell to the Messi-Ronaldo era, the legacy of their rivalry will endure — not just in goals and trophies, but in the spirit of mutual respect they demonstrated through it all.