Generations of football fans have spent the better part of two decades trapped in the unrelenting “GOAT” debate, but behind the fierce headlines and the partisan divide, Cristiano Ronaldo has offered a rare glimpse into the quiet camaraderie that defined his relationship with Lionel Messi.
In a candid interview with CNN Portugal, the 41-year-old Al-Nassr icon pulled back the curtain on the awards circuit, revealing that the rivalry often reserved for the pitch evaporated the moment the cameras turned away. Far from the icy tension many imagined, the two titans of the sport maintained a functional, even helpful, friendship during their joint appearances at elite gala events.
Ronaldo recalls helping Messi at awards ceremonies
For fifteen years, the duo stood at the zenith of the sport, collecting trophies and Ballon d’Or awards while competing for every available accolade. Ronaldo revealed that during these high-pressure ceremonies, he often took on the role of an informal translator for the Argentine maestro.
“We shared the award stages for 15 years,” Ronaldo noted. “And we always got along very well. I remember a time or two translating for him what they were saying in English, ‘Messi, you’re going to stay here.’”
The Al-Nassr forward painted a picture of a lighthearted dynamic, explaining how he would guide Messi through the logistical hurdles of ceremonies, relaying instructions from presenters and preparing him for upcoming questions. “It was funny,” Ronaldo admitted. “He always treated me well. Of course, he defended his club and I, mine; he defended his national team and I, mine. But it was a healthy rivalry.”
Drawing a comparison to one of the most famous feuds in sporting history, Ronaldo likened their shared journey to the legendary clash between Formula One icons Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. In his view, their proximity at the top of the game was not a source of bitterness, but a catalyst for sustained excellence. “I think there were years where he wanted to give everything and score, and so did I. I think we motivated each other,” he added.
Ronaldo still refuses to call Messi the greatest
Despite the warmth of their personal interactions, the competitive fire remains unquenched. While Messi has surged ahead in certain metrics—boasting a World Cup title and eight Ballon d’Or trophies compared to Ronaldo’s five—the Portuguese legend remains firmly convinced of his own status at the summit of football history.
Ronaldo acknowledges the validity of personal preference, conceding that fans may rightfully lean toward Messi, Pelé, or Maradona based on style and impact. However, he draws an immovable line when his own credentials are questioned. “Saying that Cristiano isn’t complete is a lie,” he asserted.
His argument is anchored in a staggering volume of work: 980 goals in 1,337 professional appearances. As he edges toward the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals, Ronaldo expressed frustration at the media’s fixation on the arithmetic rather than the quality of his current form.
“People are not appreciating my current form, my goals,” Ronaldo said. “They are more concerned with saying that there are 85 goals left… I don’t like that. Things have to happen naturally. If I score 920 goals, 925, 930… I am the best in history, full stop. The numbers speak for themselves.”
Ronaldo’s retirement question adds urgency to the milestone
The window for that 1,000th goal is beginning to close. With retirement rumors swirling and his recent commitment to the Saudi Pro League potentially concluding as early as next June, the timeline for his final career tally remains fluid.
The veteran forward is currently navigating a period of transition, having recently returned to Al-Nassr following a high-profile disciplinary dispute with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. While the Portuguese Football Federation has expressed a desire to bring him back into the fold, his international future remains tethered to the resolution of his internal coaching conflict.
Across the Atlantic, the narrative is shifting as well. With reports suggesting Messi has concluded his storied international career with Argentina, the final curtain is descending on the most transformative era in the history of the sport.
Whether or not Ronaldo reaches the quadruple-digit goal mark, his reflections serve as a reminder that the “rivalry” was more a partnership of excellence than a clash of egos. As both men prepare for life after football, their mutual respect stands as a testament to the fact that while they spent years fighting for the title of “best,” they were the only two people on the planet who truly understood the weight of the crown.
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