Cristiano Ronaldo has again discussed his relationship with Lionel Messi and revealed that they’ve talked far more than most people will have realised.
The pair shared the top table of football for 15 years, most notably during their time in Spain with El Clasico rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona from 2009 to 2018.
Due to their positions Ronaldo and Messi were often at opposing ends of the pitchGetty But at award ceremonies there was more going on than we realisedGettyDuring that spell they battled for the game’s greatest individual prize, the Ballon d’Or, winning it 13 out of 15 occasions.
Due to them both being forwards, they rarely shared the same patch of turf during their careers but famously had an exchange of sorts at the 2019 Champions League draw.
On that occasion Messi didn’t seem too involved in conversation as it was in English, but Ronaldo has now revealed how he often had to help the Argentine out.
“I don’t know if he speaks a little English today, but at the time, I remember that I was his interpreter during the galas,” Ronaldo told the media ahead of Portugal’s Nations League final against Spain.
The Al Nassr forward was discussing his long-time rival during a question about his relationship with Spain where he spent the majority of his career.
Mentioning that his partner is Spanish-Argentine, the topic then moved onto Messi’s country.
“I really like Argentina, I’ve never been there, but I’d love to go,” Ronaldo said.
“My partner is Argentinian, so how can you not love Argentina? I have a lot of affection for Argentinians and for Lionel Messi.
“We were rivals for many years, but I’ve said in several interviews that we were actually together on stage for 15 years.”
Messi won eight Ballons d’Or to Ronaldo’s five, but Ronaldo won five Champions Leagues to the Inter Miami star’s four.
Ronaldo picked up five Ballons d’Or, the second most of all timeGETTY Next up he’ll face Lamine Yamal, who could be the trophy’s next ownerGettyIt now looks like Messi’s heir at Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, could continue the tradition, but Ronaldo said he feels the Golden Ball should be given to a player who wins the Champions League.
Ronaldo will get a taste of the Spanish sensation’s talents in the Nations League final at the Allianz Arena, but dismissed the idea that it will be a duel between them, despite both leading their sides through the semi-finals.
“It’s always been like that. Every time I play in a final, it’s Cristiano versus someone,” he said.
“I don’t lose sleep over that anymore. I’m completely used to it. We’re completely different generations, one that’s just starting out and one that’s ending.
“They should compare Lamine with Vitinha, who are closer in age. But that’s fine. If they want to play Cristiano versus someone, my body is bulletproof. But it’s one team versus another team.”
The 40-year-old even compared Lamine to his son Cristaino Jnr, adding: “The colour, they’re dark-skinned, the hair, there’s a three-year difference between them.
“My children also like him. Part of my family is Spanish, my wife is Spanish-Argentine, I have a very special affection for Spain.”
Ronaldo also seems to have some affection for Lamine too, and defended him while giving some stern advice to the media.
“The kid is doing very well. He’s at a club and with a national team that supports him a lot, and he’s in a very conducive environment for his talent to flourish, which is very high,” he said.
“What I ask is that they let the kid grow peacefully, that they don’t put so much pressure on him, for the good of football.
“To enjoy a talent like that for many years, we have to let him be at peace, let him grow calmly. That’s what I hope.
“We have to take the pressure off him and let him be. The press can help him in that way. Leave him alone, because he has no shortage of talent.”
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