Speaking in an interview with DSsports, Messi stated that their rivalry existed only on the pitch, particularly during their time facing off in Spain’s El Clasico, with Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Real Madrid.


“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, he stated.


He added that, 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.”


Although both players now play in different parts of the world Messi in Major League Soccer, MLS, and Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, their careers have often been compared, with fans and pundits divided over who is the greatest of their generation.