´I’ve a whole lot of respect and admiration for Ronaldo´, says Messi

Lionel Messi stated he has a whole lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, however the two legends are “not buddies”.

Messi made headlines as soon as once more after his free-kick gave Inter Miami their first-ever Membership World Cup victory, beating Porto 2-1 on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Ronaldo was linked with a transfer to Miami, together with different golf equipment resembling Al-Hilal, to take part within the competitors, however nothing got here to fruition.

Messi has shared the stage with Ronaldo, although, highlighted by their spells in LaLiga with Barcelona and Actual Madrid, respectively.

The 2 forwards dominated each competitors they performed in and likewise received the Ballon d’Or awards from 2008 to 2017, each profitable 5 every in that point, however Messi has since received three extra.

Leo. #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/OV6DQne1wT

— FIFA Membership World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 19, 2025

Messi was filled with admiration when requested about Ronaldo, however stated there’s not a lot of a relationship between the pair off the pitch.

“I’ve a whole lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, and for the profession he’s had and continues to have,” stated Messi.

“He’s nonetheless competing on the highest degree. The competitors with him was on the pitch… Every of us needed to do the most effective for our workforce. All the pieces stayed on the pitch.

“Off the pitch, we’re two regular guys. We’re not buddies as a result of we don’t spend time collectively, however we’ve all the time handled one another with a whole lot of respect.”