Yan Nigeria
Argentina and Inter Miami superstar, Lionel Messi, has revealed that while he is not friends with his career rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, he holds the Portuguese forward in the highest regard.
Speaking in comments shared by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Friday, Messi praised Ronaldo’s remarkable longevity and continued competitiveness at age 40.
“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,” Messi said.
Messi reflected on their years of fierce competition, particularly during their time in Spain with Barcelona and Real Madrid, but emphasized that their rivalry was always respectful and professional.
“The competition with him was on the pitch… Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Everything stayed on the pitch,” he noted.
“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.”
The comments came shortly after Messi produced another moment of brilliance at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. The 37-year-old curled a trademark free-kick past Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos, sealing a 2-1 comeback win for Inter Miami.
It was Messi’s first goal at the Club World Cup since the 2015 final, when he scored for Barcelona against River Plate. The goal also marked his 50th for Inter Miami in just 61 appearances since joining the MLS side in July 2023.
Messi, a three-time Club World Cup winner with Barcelona in 2009, 2011, and 2015, now has his sights set on adding another title with Inter Miami. The win over Porto means his side needs just a point in their final group match to qualify for the knockout stage.
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