Lionel Messi explains why Cristiano Ronaldo is Not His ‘Friend’

Vishal Bhawani

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Lionel Messi explains why Cristiano Ronaldo is Not His ‘Friend’ image

They've battled for Ballon d’Ors, broken goal records, and divided fan bases for over a decade. But while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have shared the same football stage for years, one thing they don’t share is friendship — and now, Messi has explained why.

Speaking in a recent interview with DSports, the Inter Miami star offered a rare insight into his relationship with Ronaldo.

For fans hoping for a Messi-Ronaldo buddy movie, this one might sting a bit — but not for the reasons you think.

Messi clears the air on his bond with Ronaldo

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had and continues to have, because he’s still competing at the highest level,” said Messi.

That admiration is mutual across most of the football world. But friendship? Not quite.

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Messi continued, “The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field. Off the pitch, we are two normal people. We’re not friends obviously because we don’t spend time together, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect.”

That settles it. No behind-the-scenes feud, no silent rivalry turned personal — just two greats who never had the time to bond off the pitch. Think of it less like Batman vs Superman, and more like two superheroes from different cities.

Messi and Ronaldo lit up world football during their years in La Liga — one in the famous Blaugrana colors, the other in Real Madrid white.

Now, with one in MLS and the other in Saudi Arabia, a reunion remains unlikely, though never impossible in football’s script.

Messi & Ronaldo news and related links

Vishal Bhawani

Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.

Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.