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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Ewan Ross-Murray

‘We’re Not Friends’—Lionel Messi Opens Up on Cristiano Ronaldo Rivalry

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi often went head-to-head for the Ballon d'Or. | Alexander Hassenstein-FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Lionel Messi has admitted that he has no friendship with longstanding career adversary Cristiano Ronaldo but has revealed the “respect and admiration” he holds for the Portuguese superstar.

Largely considered the runaway candidates for the tag of greatest of all-time, Messi and Ronaldo have enjoyed a fierce on-field rivalry as they contested the most coveted individual and collective prizes on offer.

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