Lionel Messi has shared insight into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the World Cup.
The last time the two superstars met was in 2023, when the Argentine played for PSG against the Riyadh Season Team, a mix of Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal on one side.
The pair have played against each other 36 times in some classic matches through the years, as Messi reflected on the battles and friendship they have had.
"What happened was a beautiful sporting rivalry. It's something natural in the world of football," he told reporter Pollo Alvarez.
Messi has shared insight into his relationship with Ronaldo
|REUTERS/GETTY
Messi continued: "I was at Barcelona and he was at Real Madrid, and we were competing for everything both collectively and individually, so people were always comparing us.
"But our relationship was always good and respectful, and everything that happened was purely athletic. There was nothing personal.
"We didn't meet often except at matches or award ceremonies, and we were always on good terms.
"Now we're at different stages in our lives, but what happened was a beautiful sporting rivalry."
Messi said his relationship with Ronaldo was 'always good and respectful'
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Looking ahead to the World Cup, Messi and Ronaldo could face each other in the quarter-finals should Argentina and Portugal reach the last eight.
If they both win their Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches, they would meet fittingly in Match 100, the Quarter-Final in Kansas City.
Speaking about Argentina, Messi shared that the "national team is in good shape".
He continued: "There are many players currently dealing with injuries or a lack of match fitness, but when the group is together, it's clear they compete, always want to win, give their all, and do everything possible to achieve their goals.
Ronaldo could face Messi in the quarter-finals of the World Cup
| GETTY"It's a World Cup, and we know it's always tough because of the other teams.
"We have to get excited like Argentinians do every time there's an official competition, whether it's the Copa America or the World Cup.
"But we also have to know that ahead of us there are other favourites who are in better shape as a team, and that this Argentina will always go out to compete and give its all, just like it has done since this group came together."
The Argentine was recently in Miami to take in the Grand Prix and mix with several other A-listers.
Messi was recently in Miami for the Grand Prix
| GETTYThe Inter Miami forward stepped away from his footballing commitments for an afternoon surrounded by A-listers.
Joined by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their family, Messi shook hands with Kimi Antonelli and gave him a hug after an intense race.
During their embrace, the Italian told the Barcelona legend: "I'm so happy that I met you."
The paddock also provided a meaningful moment for Argentine sport, as Messi took the opportunity to meet rising F1 driver Franco Colapinto.
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