Intense speculation has always surrounded the dynamic between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The pair, widely considered as two of the greatest footballers of all time, famously developed their fierce rivalry while competing in La Liga, with Messi playing for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid. Many fans have long been eager to know whether the two footballing legends are actually friends.

Now, Argentinian World Cup winner Messi has broken his silence on the matter, shedding light on his relationship with the Portuguese icon. At 37, Messi remains a dominant force on the global stage, currently playing for Inter Miami, while Ronaldo, 40, competes for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia's Pro League. Messi gave a timely reminder of his genius on Thursday, handing Miami their first win at the Club World Cup with a breathtaking free-kick against FC Porto. Afterwards, he discussed his long-term adversary, Ronaldo, claiming that they are not friends. However, he explained that's only the case as the duo barely get a chance to cross paths.

"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," Messi told DSports.

"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."

Messi's stance on his rapport with Ronaldo mirrors his insights from eight years ago. Speaking to Marca in 2017, Messi admitted: "I don't know if we will be [friends]. Friendship is built through spending time together and getting to know each other.

"We have no relationship, mainly because we only see each other at awards ceremonies, and that's the only time we speak. Everything is fine, but our lives don't cross over very often."

Meanwhile, in an interview with Spanish outlet El Chiringuito earlier this year, Ronaldo claimed he is on good terms with the Miami star due to their "healthy" rivalry. He did, however, distance himself from having a friendship with Messi in the recent past.

"I have a good relationship with Leo Messi," said Ronaldo this year. "I was translating him in English at an award ceremony too! It was funny. It was a healthy rivalry; we got along."

Speaking in 2023, Ronaldo said: "I don't see things like that [as a rivalry], the rivalry is gone. It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa. He's followed his path, and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe.

"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."

The ongoing debate over who is the superior player, coupled with their La Liga rivalries, has raised questions about whether the two are friends, and another bone of contention is the Ballon d'Or.

Messi has clinched the esteemed award eight times, while Ronaldo trails behind with five wins, causing some tension. However, it seems the iconic pair, while not likely to be spotted dining together any time soon, have put their famous rivalry to one side, for now.