Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his relationship with Lionel Messi, revealing that he occasionally translated English conversations for the Argentine superstar during award ceremonies they attended together.
The Portuguese football icon reflected on his long-standing relationship with Messi, describing their rivalry as respectful and mutually beneficial despite their fierce competition for individual honours and team success.
According to Ronaldo, the pair shared the stage at major football award ceremonies for 15 years, during which they maintained a cordial relationship.
“We shared the award stages for 15 years, and we always got along very well,” Ronaldo said.
He recalled moments when he helped Messi understand conversations conducted in English, describing the experience as amusing.
“I remember translating for him what people were saying in English. It was funny,” he added.
Ronaldo also dismissed any suggestion that their rivalry prevented them from maintaining mutual respect, noting that both players were committed to defending their respective clubs and national teams.
“He always treated me well. Of course, he defended his club and I defended mine. He defended his national team and I defended mine,” the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward said.
The 41-year-old described their competition as a healthy rivalry that pushed both players to achieve greater heights throughout their careers.
“It was a healthy rivalry. I think we motivated each other,” he said.
For more than a decade, Ronaldo and Messi dominated world football, competing for major individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or, while setting remarkable records at club and international levels.
Their rivalry became one of the defining stories of modern football, particularly during Ronaldo’s time at Real Madrid and Messi’s spell at Barcelona, when the pair frequently went head-to-head in Spain’s El Clásico.
Despite the intense competition between them, Ronaldo’s remarks offer a glimpse into the mutual respect that existed behind the scenes, highlighting how their contrasting ambitions helped drive one another to extraordinary achievements.
Their legacy continues to shape football discussions, with fans around the world still debating their accomplishments and celebrating the era in which the two superstars pushed the boundaries of the game.
