Messi opens up on Ronaldo relationship

Lionel Messi has recently spoken about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, clarifying that they are not close friends, but there is deep respect and mutual admiration between them, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

In an interview with 'DSports', Messi stated:

"I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and his extraordinary career, which continues today. Off the pitch, we are two normal people. We are not friends because we don't spend time together, but we have always treated each other with a lot of respect."

Messi stressed that the rivalry between them has always been sporting and professional, excluding any personal tension.

This statement comes at a time when debates about who is the greatest player in history – the "GOAT" – still continue to divide the football world, but the protagonists themselves show that respect prevails over any comparison.