For more than a decade, football fans around the world debated one of the sport’s greatest rivalries, often portraying Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as fierce enemies.
However, Ronaldo has now revealed that their relationship behind the scenes was far more respectful than many imagined.
Speaking during a recent interview, the Portuguese legend dismissed the long-standing belief that he and Messi shared personal animosity, insisting they always maintained a good relationship despite competing at the highest level of football.
Ronaldo recalled that the pair stood together on football’s biggest award stages for around 15 years, creating countless unforgettable moments during the Ballon d’Or era.
According to him, their rivalry remained strictly professional, while mutual respect defined their interactions away from the pitch. In one surprising revelation, Ronaldo disclosed that he occasionally acted as Messi’s translator during award ceremonies because the Argentine icon preferred not to speak English.
He explained that before gala events, organizers would brief the players in English, and he would help translate the instructions for Messi.
Ronaldo described the moments as amusing and said Messi always treated him with kindness. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner stressed that although they competed relentlessly, each player was simply defending the colours of his club and country.
He represented Portugal and clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, while Messi gave everything for Argentina and Barcelona before later moving to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
Reflecting on their legendary battle for football supremacy, Ronaldo admitted that the competition pushed both of them to reach extraordinary heights.
He believes they motivated one another to improve every season, with each determined to score more goals and win more trophies.
Ronaldo compared their sporting rivalry to the famous Formula One battle between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, describing it as a healthy competition that inspired excellence rather than hostility.
His comments offer a fresh perspective on one of football’s greatest rivalries, reminding fans that while Ronaldo and Messi fought fiercely for individual and team honours on the pitch, respect and professionalism always existed between two of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
