Messi, now 37, delivered a vintage performance in that match, sealing the win with a brilliant free-kick—Inter Miami’s first victory of the tournament. ..Continue Reading
Speaking to reporters after the game at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Messi was asked about his relationship with Ronaldo, who, at 40, is not participating in this year’s competition.
His response offered a rare glimpse into the dynamic between the two football icons.
“The competition with him was on the pitch,” Messi told D Sports.
“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.”
There’s no denying that Messi and Ronaldo have defined football over the past two decades, amassing a combined total of 13 Ballon d’Or titles—eight for Messi and five for Ronaldo.
And as for their relationship, last night wasn’t the first occasion Messi has addressed the dynamic between them.
Back in 2017, Messi told MARCA: “I don’t know if we will be [friends]. Friendship is built through spending time together and getting to know each other.
“We have no relationship, mainly because we only see each other at awards ceremonies, and that’s the only time we speak.
“Everything is fine, but our lives don’t cross over very often.”
The Portuguese has spoken about the Inter Miami star on multiple occasions, voicing his respect for him, although he maintained that they are not “friends”.
Speaking in 2023, Ronaldo explained: “I don’t see things like that [as a rivalry], the rivalry is gone. It was good, spectators liked it.
“Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi and vice versa. We’ve done well… we’ve changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing.
“He’s followed his path, and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well, and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.”
