Lionel Messi has publicly acknowledged Cristiano Ronaldo with a message filled with respect and admiration. Just weeks after Ronaldo made kind remarks about him, Messi responded by reflecting on their long-standing rivalry and mutual appreciation.
“I have a lot of respect, a lot of admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo,” Messi said in a recent interview with DSports. “The career he’s had and continues to have is remarkable. He’s still performing at the highest level.”
Messi highlighted that their intense competition was always limited to the football field. “The rivalry was on the pitch. Each of us tried to give our best for our team, but it never went beyond that.”
He also emphasized that, off the pitch, both players lead separate lives. “We’re not friends, we don’t hang out, but we’ve always shown each other respect,” Messi added.
His comments come as both legends near the final chapters of their incredible careers, having dominated the sport for nearly two decades. Their relationship, often seen through the lens of rivalry, continues to be one of mutual recognition and professionalism.
By Yockshard Enyendi
