Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has expressed deep respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a statement shared via Fabrizio Romano’s post on Friday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged Ronaldo’s remarkable achievement of continuing to compete at the highest level even at the age of 40.
The post read, “I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, and for the career he’s had and continues to have. He is still competing at the highest level.
“The competition with him was on the pitch… Each of us wanted to do the best for our team.
“Everything stayed on the pitch”. “Off the pitch, we are two normal guys. We’re not friends because we don’t spend time together, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect.”
The 37-year-old delivered a vintage performance, curling a stunning free-kick past Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.
The goal marked Messi’s first at the Club World Cup since his 2015 strike for Barcelona in the final against River Plate. It was also his 50th goal for Inter Miami, achieved in just 61 appearances since joining the club in July 2023.
A three-time Club World Cup champion with Barcelona in 2009, 2011, and 2015, Messi’s brilliance against Porto puts Inter Miami just one point away from securing a spot in the knockout stage.