Cristiano Ronaldo reveals true feelings about Lionel Messi

Ronaldo has spoken about his relationship with Messi, as well as whether a similar player rivalry could ever be seen again.

For two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been at the center of a sporting rivalry that has sparked endless debates over who is the world’s best soccer player. A topic that has divided opinions among millions of fans worldwide.

Currently, both Ronaldo and Messi are in the final stages of their careers. While the former Real Madrid and Barcelona stars duo have stepped away from elite-level competition to focus more on family well-being and future endeavors following their retirement, there remains an ongoing debate about who has had the better career on the field.

Ronaldo opens up on Messi relationship

In an excerpt of an upcoming interview with journalist Edu Aguirre of Spanish television show “El Chiringuito,” which will be shown in full on Monday (February 3), Ronaldo opened up on his relationship with Messi, insisting they have never not got on.

The Portuguese also claimed it is unlikely we’ll ever see a rivalry like theirs ever again, in which each one constantly pushed the other to the limit, leading to them breaking all kinds of records at both club and international level.

“Never,” responded Ronaldo when asked if he had a strained relationship with Messi. “It’s quite the opposite”.

The 40-year-old was also quizzed on whether players in the future could replicate the level of goalscoring he and Messi produced for so many years. “I hope so, it’s something that would be good for soccer. But I think it’ll be tough”.

Will Ronaldo and Messi ever face each other again?

One of the hopes for soccer fans in 2025 was to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi face off once more, potentially at the Club World Cup. However, Al Nassr' elimination from the Asian Champions League dashed those hopes, making such a reunion increasingly improbable.

At club level, it will be complex for Messi and Ronaldo to meet again, as Inter Miami’s tight schedule is likely to prevent a match against Al Nassr from ever being played.

One remaining possibility to see them both in action is at international level with Argentina and Portugal, which could happen at the next World Cup in 2026. Their potential ‘last dance’