LIONEL MESSI declared “we’re not friends, obviously” as he gave a rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The veteran rivals are regarded as arguably the two best players to ever grace the beautiful game.
Lionel Messi admits he and Cristiano Ronaldo 'are not friends'
And their battle for legendary status has now been ongoing for over 20 years.
Messi, 37, currently stars for MLS side Inter Miami after a dazzling career for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina.
Ronaldo, 40, continues to tear things up for Saudi outfit Al-Nassr following glory at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
And the pair boast 19 league titles between them, as well as nine Champions Leagues and seven international trophies.
As far as Ballon d’Ors go, Messi leads Ronaldo by eight of the individual honours to five.
But, despite their rivalry on the pitch, the pair have sought to play down reports of a grudge off it too.
Ronaldo previously declared he “admired” Messi’s career while admitting son Cristiano Jr adored the Argentine’s skills.
Meanwhile, Messi believes they have enjoyed a “great battle” and “deserve credit” for leading the “golden era” of football.
Now, the World Cup winner has given a deeper glimpse into his relationship with his Euro-clinching counterpart.
Admitting he’s “not friends” with Ronaldo, Messi told DSports: “I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had and continues to have, because he’s still competing at the highest level.
Ronaldo's partner is Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez
Messi is married to childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo
“The competition with him was on the pitch. 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.”
Ronaldo also had his say on Messi earlier this year.
He declared: “I have a good relationship with Messi. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along.”
Benjamin Sesko has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs this summer, including Manchester United and Newcastle. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Anita Vidovic, has also turned heads.Sesko, 22, has been a shining star for RB Leipzig, netting 21 goals in all competitions during the 2024/25 season. Despite the Bundesliga side's underwhelming campaign, which saw them miss out on a top-four fini...
Inter Miami CF coach Javier Mascherano hopes Lionel Messi enters the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament with more motivation after serving a one-game suspension for missing the MLS All-Star Game, adding that the rest may have served the player well given the upcoming "marathon" of matches.Miami kicks off its Leagues Cup campaign against Liga MX team Atlas at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on ...
Borussia Dortmund have reopened internal discussions about re-signing Jadon Sancho, as the English winger's future at Manchester United continues to dominate the summer transfer conversation, sources close to the agent industry have informed CaughtOffside.Although a third spell at the Bundesliga club is being considered, sources indicate that Sancho, who scored 5 goals for Chelsea on loan last sea...
Benjamin Sesko is reportedly 'impressed' by Manchester United after being made aware of Ruben Amorim's long-term plans. A pursuit of a new centre-forward could lead the Red Devils towards making a formal approach for the RB Leipzig star.United will not be deterred in their search for a new No. 9 despite missing out on Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres. Amorim has already improved his forward line wit...
Marta Diaz stole the show at the eventThe jaw-dropping former partner of a Premier League defender has stolen the show at an influencer boxing event.Marta Diaz showed off her stunning physique in a cream corset and short ruffled skirt as she let her hair down. The selection of snaps, which saw Marta pose near the ring and then in the stands with two friends, amassed over 350,000 likes on the platf...
Kayla - dubbed the world's sexiest volleyball player - posed in a green hat and wore a colourful bikini under a small white top.Kayla Simmons had fans gushing with her latest busty mirror selfieFans were quick to rush to the comment sectionFans were quick to rush to the comment section as one said: "Goddess."Another added: "Just gorgeous."One hailed: "Stunning."Another said: "Amazing."Kayla's onli...
The glamorous footballer has a huge fan base on social media with over 320k followers on Instagram.Madelene Wright has stunned in a social media postShe risked a wardrobe malfunction in see-through lingerieFans loved the snaps after they were posted on InstagramMadelene is no stranger to raunchy postsMadelene, 26, has most recently played for Chesham United despite still having her lucrative caree...
BAYERN MUNICH goalkeeper Sven Ulreich has announced the tragic death of his six-year-old son.The German stopper, 36, shared the heartbreaking update on Friday morning.Ulreich's son Len, born in November 2018, lost his brave battle with a serious illness in June.Ulreich wrote on Instagram: "It is with deep sadness that we would like to announce today that our son Len passed away a few weeks ago aft...
PEP Guardiola's divorce is set to be finalised "imminently".The Manchester City boss and wife Cristina Serra had hoped to keep their split friendly, but sources say there is now "more urgency" as their relationship has deteriorated.Pep's marriage woes, reported by The Sun in January, coincided with his worst slump as a manager.And there are fears the troubles could overshadow the start of the new ...
Dimitri Payet's ex-lover has launched an adult page on the eve of her abuse trial against the former West Ham star.Brazilian lawyer Larissa Natalya Ferrari, 28, alleges she was subjected to horrifying sexual and psychological abuse by the married ex-Premier League midfielder during their six-month affair.Judges at Rio de Janeiro's VII Court of Domestic and Family Violence Against Women officially ...
- 1 Phil Parkinson breaks silence on Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's shock bid to bring ex-Man Utd star Christian Eriksen to Wrexham
- 2 TIPS - Real Salt Lake VS Atletico San Luis
- 3 Arsenal legend backs Premier League rivals to become next invincibles and take prestigious title from Gunners
- 4 Go Ahead Eagles star duo linked to Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers
- 5 Daily Laugh - Raya nair
- 6 Liverpool ready "to go big" for wantaway Newcastle striker Isak
- 7 Real Madrid Willing to Sell Rodrygo — But Only If Two Key Conditions Are Met
- 8 Man City boss Guardiola delivers definitive answer to Barcelona return question
- 9 Borussia Dortmund chief Kehl confirms hopes of re-signing Sancho from Man Utd
- 10 Daily Laugh - Sesko & Man Utd in a nutshell