Lionel Messi has opened up on his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the pair are 'not friends' following his heroics for Inter Miami on Thursday.
The MLS side went into their clash with Porto hoping to boost their chances of making the knockout stages of the competition.
Miami's night got off to a bad start, with Samu Aghehowa netting an early penalty to give Porto the lead.
Javier Mascherano's team were able to turn the match around to secure all three points, however, with Messi scoring a stunning free-kick after Telasco Segovia had drawn them level.
Lionel Messi has opened up on his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the pair are 'not friends' following his heroics for Inter Miami on Thursday
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Football fans will have to make the most of Messi's magic while he's still playing, with the Argentina international in the twilight years of his career at the age of 38.
It's a similar story with Ronaldo, with the veteran still going strong for both Portugal and Al-Nassr at 40.
Both players are widely considered to be two of the best footballers of all time, having shattered record after record throughout their careers.
Now, Messi has opened up on their relationship and insisted that while they're 'not friends', there's a mutual respect between the pair.
"I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had and continues to have, because he’s still competing at the highest level," he told D Sports.
"The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team.
"Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field. Off the pitch, we are two normal people.
"We’re not friends obviously because we don’t spend time together, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect."
يُعانق الخياااااااااااال! 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/SZr44iC4v1
— Messi World (@M10GOAT) June 19, 2025
Messi and Ronaldo first faced each other back in 2008, when they were strutting their stuff for Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.
They have gone up against each other 35 more times in the years since in competitive matches for club and country.
Of those contests, Messi has won more matches with 16 - which is more than what Ronaldo has managed against his old rival.
Messi has bagged 22 goals compared to Ronaldo's 21, while managing 11 assists as well - while his old enemy has just one.
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Speaking earlier this year, meanwhile, Ronaldo opened up on Messi and said the pair had 'changed the history of football'.
“Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa," he explained.
"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.
Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick for Inter Miami at the Club World Cup
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"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."
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