Latest news with #Al-Nassr
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘We're not friends, obviously' – Lionel Messi gives rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
Pair have previously had their say about each other LION KINGS 'We're not friends, obviously' – Lionel Messi gives rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIONEL MESSI declared 'we're not friends, obviously' as he gave a rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran rivals are regarded as arguably the two best players to ever grace the beautiful game. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Lionel Messi admits he and Cristiano Ronaldo 'are not friends' Credit: AP 6 Messi is still going strong at the age of 37 with Inter Miami Credit: Getty 6 Ronaldo, 40, has been banging in the goals for Al-Nassr Credit: AFP 6 The pair have won numerous trophies and awards between them Credit: Getty And their battle for legendary status has now been ongoing for over 20 years. Messi, 37, currently stars for MLS side Inter Miami after a dazzling career for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina. Ronaldo, 40, continues to tear things up for Saudi outfit Al-Nassr following glory at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. And the pair boast 19 league titles between them, as well as nine Champions Leagues and seven international trophies. As far as Ballon d'Ors go, Messi leads Ronaldo by eight of the individual honours to five. But despite their rivalry on the pitch, the pair have sought to play down reports of a grudge off it too. Ronaldo previously declared he 'admired' Messi's career while admitting son Cristiano Jr adored the Argentine's skills. Meanwhile, Messi believes they have enjoyed a 'great battle' and 'deserve credit' for leading the 'golden era' of football. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Now, the World Cup winner has given a deeper glimpse into his relationship with his Euro-clinching counterpart. Admitting he's 'not friends' with Ronaldo, Messi told DSports: '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. Watch Messi score stunning free-kick as Inter Miami stun Porto 2-1m 6 Ronaldo's partner is Spanish businesswoman Georgia Rodriguez Credit: Instagram @georginagio 6 Messi is married to childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo Credit: Getty '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.' Ronaldo also had his say on Messi earlier this year. He declared: 'I have a good relationship with Messi. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along.'
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘We're not friends, obviously' – Lionel Messi gives rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
LIONEL MESSI declared 'we're not friends, obviously' as he gave a rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran rivals are regarded as arguably the two best players to ever grace the beautiful game. Advertisement 6 Lionel Messi admits he and Cristiano Ronaldo 'are not friends' Credit: AP 6 Messi is still going strong at the age of 37 with Inter Miami Credit: Getty 6 Ronaldo, 40, has been banging in the goals for Al-Nassr Credit: AFP 6 The pair have won numerous trophies and awards between them Credit: Getty And their Messi, 37, currently stars for MLS side Inter Miami after a dazzling career for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina. Ronaldo, 40, continues to tear things up for Saudi outfit Al-Nassr following glory at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. And the pair boast 19 league titles between them, as well as nine Champions Leagues and seven international trophies. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL As far as Ballon d'Ors go, Messi leads Ronaldo by eight of the individual honours to five. Ronaldo previously Meanwhile, Messi believes Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Now, the World Cup winner has given a deeper glimpse into his relationship with his Euro-clinching counterpart. Admitting he's 'not friends' with Ronaldo, Messi told Watch Messi score stunning free-kick as Inter Miami stun Porto 2-1m 6 Ronaldo's partner is Spanish businesswoman Georgia Rodriguez Credit: Instagram @georginagio Advertisement 6 Messi is married to childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo Credit: Getty '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.' Ronaldo also had his say on Messi earlier this year. Advertisement He declared: 'I have a good relationship with Messi. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along.'
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Business Standard
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
'No friendship' between Messi and Ronaldo, Argentine star clarifies
There is no animosity or personal conflict between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, their limited interaction is simply a result of their careers taking them in different directions. Even during their time in Spain, when they were regularly facing off in La Liga, they represented bitter rivals: Messi with Barcelona and Ronaldo with Real Madrid, at the heart of the intense El Clasico rivalry. Now, Ronaldo plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, while Messi stars for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Many fans around the world still dream of seeing the two icons share the pitch as teammates before they retire, but such a collaboration remains a distant hope. 'Ronaldo and I aren't friends' Between them, Messi and Ronaldo have collected 13 Ballon d'Or awards and rewritten the history books on numerous occasions. At 40, Ronaldo continues to chase milestones, including the remarkable target of 1,000 career goals. Meanwhile, Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory, is preparing to celebrate his 38th birthday on Tuesday. Both of the football superstars could meet one final time if they clash in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 if they manage to get their names on the squad list for the quadrennial tournament that is.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Ittihad to meet Al-Nassr in Saudi Super Cup semifinals
RIYADH, June 19: The draw for the upcoming Saudi Super Cup, marking the start of the 2025-2026 football season, took place yesterday. According to the draw, Al-Ittihad—champion of both the Roshen Professional League and the King's Cup—will face Al-Nassr in the first semi-final clash. In the second semi-final, league runner-up Al-Hilal will compete against Al-Qadisiyah, who finished fourth in the league and were also runners-up in the King's Cup. The winners of these two matches will advance to the tournament final, scheduled to be held in Hong Kong from August 19 to 23. Al-Hilal is the defending champion of the Saudi Super Cup, having secured its fifth title in the last edition. It defeated Al-Ahli in the semi-finals on penalties following a 1-1 draw before progressing to win the tournament. Al-Nassr, on the other hand, triumphed over Al-Taawoun 2-0 in its last campaign, setting up a thrilling Riyadh derby in the final, where Al-Hilal prevailed 4-1.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti legend Al-Mutawa extends career with Al-Qadsia
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: Al-Qadsia has officially announced the renewal of veteran star Bader Al-Mutawa's contract, solidifying his legacy with the "Yellow" club where he began his football journey in 2001. The move allows the 39-year-old icon to continue his illustrious career into a 24th season. Widely regarded as the most prominent figure in Kuwaiti football over the past two decades, Al-Mutawa remains a symbol of loyalty and excellence. Despite Al-Qadsia not securing any titles last season, Al-Mutawa left a noticeable impact with his performance and leadership on the pitch. In a statement on its official 'X' platform, Al-Qadsia wrote: "In a time when loyalties have changed and jerseys have been swapped, the legend Bader Al-Mutawa has remained loyal to Al-Qadsia, which has known no other home and held no other heart. There is still time for glory." The club aims to leverage Al-Mutawa's experience as it prepares for upcoming domestic and international competitions. His continued presence is expected to provide not only technical value but also serve as inspiration to younger players. Al-Mutawa has amassed a remarkable list of honors with Al-Qadsia, including: 9 Kuwait Premier League titles; 7 Amir Cups; 8 Crown Prince Cups;6 Super Cups;1 AFC Cup; 1 Gulf Clubs Cup; 1 Gulf Cup for national teams (2003) Individual Accolades: World's Top Scorer (2010); AFC's Second Best Player (2006, 2010); All-time top scorer in Kuwaiti domestic competitions; FIFA-recognized all-time international caps record holder (2022) Top Kuwaiti scorer in both the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup; Scored his 300th goal for Al-Qadsia in May 2021 Al-Mutawa also had brief stints abroad with Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) and Qatar SC, but always returned to his home club, maintaining an unmatched career defined by loyalty, leadership, and longevity.
