Cristiano Ronaldo's honest feelings on Lionel Messi as last football match confirmed
Cristiano Ronaldo has plenty of respect for Lionel Messi
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Cristiano Ronaldo insists there is no 'hatred' between himself and long-time rival Lionel Messi after a friendly between Al Nassr and Inter Miami was confirmed for next year.
Ronaldo and Messi went toe-to-toe in Spain for nine years with both players creating history at the peak of their powers.
Both are regarded as the greatest of all time by their respective ardent supporters with debates sometimes getting heated.
It's also led to questions on how Ronaldo and Messi feel about one another and their incredible rivalry.
Inter Miami and Al Nassr will face off in February
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They've both been asked on a number of occasions about the relationship between them and they've been respectful about one another.
That rivalry could have potentially continued in Saudi Arabia as Messi was offered the chance to play in the Saudi Pro League, but he turned them down to join MLS side Inter Miami.
However, they could face off again one final time in February after it was confirmed that Miami would play against Al Nassr in a friendly game.
Ronaldo and Messi will once again be the star attractions for that match and Ronaldo paid respect to his long-time rival.
“Hatred? I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is over,” Ronaldo said earlier this year.
“It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi and vice versa.
“We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing.
“He’s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe.
"From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well and so have I.
"The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that.
“We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years.
"I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.”
Messi was equally respectful about Ronaldo when speaking about the "battle" he had with the Portuguese superstar in his career after picking up a record eighth Ballon d'Or.
He said: "It was a great battle, from a sporting point of view. We fed off each other's rivalry because we're both great competitors.
"He, too, always wanted to win everything, all the time. It was a very enjoyable time for both of us and for everyone who loves football.
"I think we deserve a lot of credit for having managed to stay at the top for so long. Because as they say, it's easy to get there.
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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in action in January
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"What's difficult is staying there. And we stayed at the top for ten, fifteen years. It's very difficult to stay at that level and it's spectacular. And I think it remains a good memory for all those who followed us."
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