The relationship between these two football giants has been one of the most fascinating rivalries in sports history, spanning over 15 years of competing at the highest level. Their dynamic has evolved from fierce competition to mutual professional respect, with both players acknowledging each other's contributions to the sport.
The evolution of CR7's comments about Messi
Ronaldo's statements about Messi have changed significantly over time, reflecting the changing nature of their relationship and careers. In the early years of their rivalry, comments were often laced with competitive tension and subtle jabs. During their peak years at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, the Portuguese star would frequently emphasize his own achievements while acknowledging Messi's talent.
However, as both players aged and moved to new clubs, the tone shifted noticeably. In 2021, after Messi's departure from Barcelona, Ronaldo told DAZN: "He's following his path and I'm following mine, even if we're playing outside Europe. From what I've seen, he's doing well and that makes me happy. He's a player I really admire." This represents a marked departure from earlier competitive rhetoric.
Key moments in their verbal exchanges
One of the most notable instances occurred in 2017 when Ronaldo told El Chiringuito: "People say we have a rivalry, but I don't see it that way. I think he's an excellent player who brings a lot to football." This came after years of being pitted against each other in the never-ending debate about who was the better player.
Another significant moment was during the 2019 Ballon d'Or ceremony, where Ronaldo, despite not winning, publicly congratulated Messi on his sixth award. "It's a privilege to be here alongside Leo," he said, showing the mutual respect that had developed between them. This gesture was particularly meaningful given the intense competition between them for football's top individual honors.
Context behind CR7's statements
The context of Ronaldo's comments about Messi is crucial to understanding their meaning. Many of his statements have been made during promotional interviews, award ceremonies, or documentary appearances, where the setting influences the tone and content of his remarks. For instance, his comments during the release of the documentary "The Making of Cristiano Ronaldo" were carefully crafted to present a more mature and reflective image of the player.
Additionally, the timing of these statements often coincides with major career transitions for both players. When Ronaldo moved to Juventus in 2018, his comments about Messi became notably more respectful, perhaps reflecting his own personal growth and the realization that their rivalry was entering a new phase. Similarly, when Messi joined PSG in 2021, Ronaldo's congratulatory message on social media demonstrated a shift from competitors to respected veterans of the game.
The media's role in framing their relationship
The media has played a significant role in shaping public perception of the Ronaldo-Messi relationship. Journalists and commentators have often asked both players direct questions about each other, creating situations where they must respond publicly. This has led to a collection of quotes that, when taken together, tell the story of two competitors who have come to respect each other deeply, even if they aren't close friends.
Ronaldo has occasionally expressed frustration with how the media portrays their relationship. In a 2020 interview, he noted: "The press likes to create this rivalry, but we've both been focused on our own careers. We've never had a personal problem with each other." This statement highlights how external narratives have sometimes amplified the competitive aspects of their relationship beyond what exists in reality.
Comparing CR7's statements over the years
Looking at Ronaldo's comments chronologically reveals a fascinating evolution. In 2009, when both were establishing themselves as the world's best, his statements were more guarded and competitive. By 2015, during their peak rivalry years, there was a mix of respect and subtle competitiveness. Post-2018, after both had moved to new leagues, the tone became notably more collegial and respectful.
For example, in 2013, Ronaldo told AS: "I think I'm the best player in the world, and I've shown it year after year." This was followed by a qualifier about Messi: "He's a fantastic player, but I believe I deserve more recognition." Contrast this with his 2021 statement to France Football: "We've shared the stage for 15 years. That's not something many can say. He's pushed me to be better, and I hope I've done the same for him."
The impact of age and career stage
As both players entered their thirties, their public statements about each other reflected a growing appreciation for what they had accomplished together. Ronaldo, now 38, has spoken more openly about the unique nature of their rivalry. "We're probably the only two players in history to have dominated football for so long," he told DAZN in 2022. "That's something special, regardless of who won more Ballon d'Ors or scored more goals."
This maturation in perspective is evident in how both players now discuss their careers. Where once they might have been measured primarily against each other, they now often speak about their collective impact on football. Ronaldo has noted that their rivalry helped elevate the sport globally, bringing unprecedented attention to La Liga during their years at Real Madrid and Barcelona.
What Messi has said about CR7
To fully understand Ronaldo's comments about Messi, it's important to consider Messi's responses about Ronaldo. The Argentine has generally been more reserved in his public statements, but has also shown respect for his rival. In a 2019 interview with DAZN, Messi said: "Cristiano has shown he's a great player, one of the best in history. We had a good rivalry that was good for both of us and for the fans."
This mutual respect is evident in how both players have handled questions about each other in recent years. Rather than engaging in the heated debates that once characterized their relationship, they now often deflect with praise for their shared accomplishments and the positive impact their rivalry had on football's global popularity.
The documentary revelations
The 2020 documentary "Cristiano Ronaldo: The Making of a Legend" provided new insights into how Ronaldo views his rivalry with Messi. In the film, he stated: "I have a professional relationship with Messi because we've been sharing the same moments for 15 years. I don't see him as an enemy. I see him as a colleague who appreciates what I do, and I appreciate what he does."
This documentary moment was particularly significant because it came directly from Ronaldo in an unfiltered setting, rather than during a press conference or promotional interview where answers might be more guarded. It represented a candid acknowledgment of their unique place in football history.
Public reaction to CR7's statements
Fans and media have closely analyzed every comment Ronaldo has made about Messi, often reading between the lines for hidden meanings or competitive jabs. Social media platforms light up whenever either player makes a statement about the other, with supporters of both athletes dissecting the words for signs of respect, rivalry, or indifference.
Football analysts have noted that the evolution in Ronaldo's statements mirrors his own personal growth and changing priorities. As he's matured as a player and person, his public comments about Messi have become more reflective and less reactive. This shift has been generally well-received by fans who appreciate seeing the human side of these global superstars.
The business angle
It's worth noting that both Ronaldo and Messi are global brands, and their statements about each other can have commercial implications. Their rivalry has been leveraged by sponsors, leagues, and media companies for years. As such, some of their public comments may be influenced by business considerations, though genuine respect clearly underlies most of their recent statements.
The commercial aspect of their relationship became particularly evident when both players featured in Luis Figo's "Match for Solidarity" in 2018, where they posed together for photographs and exchanged brief words. These moments are carefully managed but also reflect the professional respect that has developed between them over the years.
The legacy of their rivalry
The statements Ronaldo has made about Messi over the years will be remembered as part of football's rich history. Together, they've defined an era of the sport, pushing each other to unprecedented heights of achievement. Their public comments about each other capture the evolution of a rivalry that began with fierce competition and matured into mutual professional respect.
As both players enter the twilight of their careers, their statements about each other increasingly focus on legacy and appreciation rather than competition. Ronaldo's more recent comments emphasize the unique nature of their shared journey through football, acknowledging that their rivalry was a once-in-a-generation phenomenon that benefited the entire sport.
What the future holds
As Ronaldo continues his career and Messi enters a new phase at PSG, fans remain eager to hear what they'll say about each other in the coming years. Will there be more joint appearances? More public acknowledgments of their shared impact on football? The statements they make now and in retirement will continue to shape how this historic rivalry is remembered.
What's clear is that both players have moved beyond the bitter rivalry that once defined their relationship. Their current comments reflect a deep appreciation for what they've accomplished together, even if they're not the close friends that some fans might have hoped for. And that's perhaps the most honest statement of all about their relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ronaldo's most recent comment about Messi?
In a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo stated: "I have a great relationship with Messi. He's a top player, top guy, and what he did for football was amazing. We shared the stage for 15 years, and I'm not saying we're friends, but we're colleagues, and I respect him a lot."
Did Ronaldo and Messi ever play together on the same team?
No, Ronaldo and Messi never played together on the same club team, which makes their rivalry even more remarkable. They faced each other numerous times in El Clásico matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona, but were never teammates at the club level. They did play together briefly for a World XI in a friendly match in 2017.
How many times did Ronaldo and Messi win the Ballon d'Or?
Between them, Ronaldo and Messi won 12 Ballon d'Or awards during their peak years. Messi won seven (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021), while Ronaldo won five (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017). Their dominance of this award spanned from 2008 to 2017, with only Luka Modric breaking their streak in 2018.
The Bottom Line
Ronaldo's statements about Messi tell a story of evolution from fierce competition to mutual respect. While they were never close friends, their public comments reveal two athletes who recognize the unique nature of their shared journey through football. From early competitive jabs to recent acknowledgments of their collective impact on the sport, Ronaldo's words about Messi reflect the maturation of both players and the historic nature of their rivalry.
The legacy of their relationship will be defined not just by goals scored and trophies won, but by how they spoke about each other along the way. And in that regard, both players have shown growth, respect, and an appreciation for the unique chapter in football history that they wrote together.