For 15 years, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi shared football’s biggest stages, competing for trophies and individual honours while millions argued over which of them deserved the title of the greatest ever. Away from the spotlight, however, their relationship was friendlier than their rivalry suggested, with Ronaldo revealing that he even helped Messi understand English during awards ceremonies. The Portugal captain has now opened up about their mutual respect, although he remains unwilling to give up his claim to football’s ultimate crown.
Ronaldo recalls helping Messi at awards ceremonies
Speaking to CNN Portugal, the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward recalled how he occasionally translated instructions for Messi when they appeared together at award ceremonies, offering a glimpse of their relationship away from the competition.“We shared the award stages for 15 years,” Ronaldo said.“And we always got along very well. I remember a time or two translating for him what they were saying in English, ‘Messi, you’re going to stay here’.”Ronaldo explained that he would help Messi understand what presenters wanted him to do, including when they told the Argentine that someone would ask him a question.“Afterwards, she’s going to ask you a question. And I would translate. The presenter would say to you: ‘We are going to do this’, and you would tell Messi: ‘Yes, very good’. And it was funny.
For nearly two decades, Messi and Ronaldo have shared award stages, collected countless trophies and dominated football’s biggest nights
He added that Messi had always treated him well despite their competing loyalties.“He always treated me well. Of course he defended his club and I, mine. He defended his national team and I, mine,” Ronaldo said.Their rivalry often appeared personal to supporters debating their respective achievements, but Ronaldo presented it as a healthy competition between two players determined to keep improving. He compared their relationship to that of Formula One greats Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, whose rivalry helped define their sport.“I think there were years where he wanted to give everything and score, and so did I. It was a healthy rivalry, like the one they had maybe Ayrton Senna and Prost. I think we motivated each other,” he said.
Ronaldo still refuses to call Messi the greatest
Their mutual respect has not changed Ronaldo’s position in the enduring debate over football’s greatest player, even though Messi holds advantages in several major categories, including World Cup success and Ballon d’Or awards, with eight to Ronaldo’s five.Ronaldo accepts that individual supporters will naturally favour different players, but he draws a clear distinction between personal preference and questioning his own ability.“Personal preference is one thing, saying this, this, this… prefer Messi, Pelé, or Maradona. I understand that and I respect it,” he said.“But saying that Cristiano isn’t complete is a lie.”Ronaldo’s argument rests heavily on his extraordinary goalscoring record, with the forward having scored 980 goals across 1,337 professional appearances for club and country. He believes his performances still receive insufficient recognition, particularly as discussion increasingly centres on whether he can reach 1,000 career goals.“People are not appreciating my current form, my goals,” Ronaldo said.“They are more concerned with saying that there are 85 goals left, 85 goals to go… But I don’t like that. I don’t like it.”He also made clear that reaching four figures would be an extraordinary achievement rather than something that determines his place in football history.“Things have to happen naturally. If I score 920 goals, 925, 930… I am the best in history, full stop,” he said. “Scoring goals, the numbers speak for themselves. So, I’m not going to sit here and say that I have to reach a thousand goals. If I reach it, fantastic.”
Ronaldo’s retirement question adds urgency to the milestone
The interview comes amid uncertainty over how much longer Ronaldo intends to continue playing, after he suggested last month that he would probably retire when the Saudi Pro League season ends next June. Asked about his long-term future, he has acknowledged that his motivation could change, making his remaining playing years difficult to predict.Ronaldo is now back with Al-Nassr after leaving Portugal’s national team camp during the October international break following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. However, Portugal’s federation president and Jesus have since publicly expressed their desire to welcome him back, opening the possibility of a return during November’s international window, depending on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.
Soccer Football – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr v Al Diriyah – Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 9, 2026 Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after scoring a goal that was later disallowed REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Messi, meanwhile, has reportedly brought his Argentina international career to an end, with speculation also growing that he could retire altogether when the MLS season concludes with Inter Miami.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal from the penalty spot during his final match for the national team, a soccer friendly against Benin, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Oct.6, 2026. AP/PTI(AP10_07_2026_000009B)
Their careers are approaching their final chapters at different speeds, but Ronaldo’s comments show that his respect for Messi does not require him to surrender their rivalry. Even after 15 years of competing together, he continues to believe the numbers support his own claim, while leaving open the possibility of one more remarkable milestone before his playing days end.
