Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has addressed long-standing perceptions of a rivalry with Argentine legend Lionel Messi, clarifying that their relationship has always been respectful.
Speaking on the subject, Ronaldo noted that while fans and media often framed them as fierce rivals, their personal interactions told a different story.
“People think Lionel Messi is my enemy, but we’ve never had a bad relationship,” he said.
The former Real Madrid star reflected on their years sharing the global stage, particularly during award ceremonies where both players dominated world football for over a decade.
“We shared the awards stage for 15 years,” he added, highlighting the consistency and excellence that defined both careers.
In a surprising revelation, Ronaldo also recalled moments of camaraderie, including helping Messi communicate at certain events.
“There was a time I even translated for him. He always treated me well,” he said.
His comments have been widely welcomed by fans, many of whom have long admired both players not just for their talent, but for the professionalism and mutual respect they have shown throughout their historic careers.
