Lionel Messi opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry: No friendship, but respect

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi finally opened up on his relationship with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasising that while they aren't friends, there is deep mutual respect between them. Messi clarified that the lack of friendship isn't due to any personal rift, but simply because their paths rarely cross off the pitch.Speaking to DSports, Messi explained that the fierce competition between them always stayed on the field, especially during their iconic clashes in La Liga, when Ronaldo starred for Real Madrid and Messi led the line for Barcelona. Their legendary rivalry defined an entire generation of football, with both players pushing each other to extraordinary heights and amassing some of the most decorated careers in the sport's history.advertisement'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,' Messi told DSports.
'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,' he added.Now at Inter Miami and Al Nassr respectively, both stars continue to make their mark. Just a few weeks ago, Cristiano Ronaldo also spoke about Messi in a press conference ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League final against Spain, stating that he had nothing but respect for the Argentine—a sentiment that mirrors Messi's recent remarks.advertisementMessi delivered once again for Inter Miami, scoring a sensational free-kick to seal a 2-1 win over FC Porto in their Club World Cup Group A clash on June 20. The result marked a historic moment, as it became the first time a CONCACAF team defeated a European club in an official FIFA competition.Ronaldo too rose to the occasion, scoring Portugal's equaliser in the Nations League final against Spain. The match went to penalties, where Portugal emerged victorious after Spain captain lvaro Morata missed the decisive spot-kick.

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