More than rivals: Cristiano Ronaldo tells never-heard Ballon d’Or story involving Lionel Messi – And it will warm your heart

Behind all the trophies, headlines, and social media debates, one question has always lingered: What was Ronaldo's relationship with Messi really like?

In the pantheon of soccer greatness, few stories shine brighter than the enduring rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. From 2009 to 2018, the two legends ruled La Liga, representing the eternal enemies Real Madrid and Barcelona in an era that redefined what was possible on a soccer pitch. Their clashes in El Clasico were the stuff of legend—fierce, poetic, and spellbinding.

Together, they amassed 13 Ballon d’Or awards, with Ronaldo claiming five and Messi winning a record eight, creating a golden age that captivated fans and sparked global debates for over a decade. Their relentless pursuit of excellence didn’t just inspire their clubs to greater heights—it divided and united the soccer world in equal measure.

Yet, behind all the trophies, headlines, and social media debates, one question has always lingered: What was their relationship really like?

What did Ronaldo say about Messi?

Now, in a rare moment of candor, Cristiano Ronaldo has shed light on his true dynamic with Lionel Messi, offering a personal story that may surprise even their most ardent followers. Speaking ahead of the UEFA Nations League final, the 40-year-old Portuguese forward addressed years of rumors surrounding their relationship, putting to rest persistent speculation that there was animosity between them.

His words were warm, respectful, and reflective: “Of course I have affection for Leo Messi. We’ve been on stage together for 15 years,” CR7 said, as reported by Onda Cerojournalist Alfredo Martinez. “I remember translating English for him at the Galas because he didn’t speak English well. He always treated me well and respected me.”

That Ballon d’Or anecdote, shared publicly for the first time, reveals a softer and more collaborative side to their dynamic—one far removed from the combative, media-fueled rivalry often painted over the years. Ronaldo didn’t just compete with Messi; he helped him. He respected him. And, most importantly, he understood him.

Mutual respect hidden beneath the hype

This revelation may come as a surprise to those who saw their competition as bitter. The Spanish press and global soccer media spent years fueling the narrative that Ronaldo and Messi were locked in a cold war of ego and pride. But as Ronaldo made clear, that rivalry was built on mutual excellence, not personal enmity.

Their relationship, it seems, was rooted in professionalism, admiration, and a shared understanding of what it meant to carry the weight of global expectation year after year. It was a rivalry born not of hatred, but of two giants pushing each other to be better.

Even as they moved on from La Liga—Ronaldo to Juventus, Manchester United, and Al-Nassr, and Messi to PSG and Inter Miami—their intertwined legacies continue to echo across generations.