Fresh off scoring his 50th goal for Inter Miami—a stunning free-kick that secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup—Lionel Messi made headlines for something beyond his on-field magic. The Argentine superstar offered rare and composed remarks about his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, triggering a tidal wave of fan reactions across social media.
Speaking after the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where his trademark left-footed free-kick sealed victory, Messi reflected on the years he and Ronaldo battled at the pinnacle of world football.
“The competition between us was on the pitch, and each one of us was striving to do the best for his team whenever and wherever he was. But of course, everything remains, as always, on the pitch, and after that, we go back to being two normal people,” Messi stated.
While admitting they aren’t close friends, Messi acknowledged Ronaldo’s remarkable career achievements. “We’re not friends, of course, because we don’t spend time together, but what we share is always within a framework of great respect. I have great admiration for what he has achieved in his career and what he continues to achieve, because he continues to compete at the highest levels,” he added.
Fan Reactions: Humility vs. Perception
Messi’s modest and mature comments quickly ignited debates among fans. Many lauded his humility and composure, suggesting his words highlighted a stark contrast in personality between the two footballing icons. A significant portion of supporters argued that while Messi keeps their rivalry professional and respectful, Ronaldo has, in their view, historically used interviews and social media to make pointed remarks or assert his superiority, which they perceive as boastful.
However, this narrative wasn’t universally accepted. Ronaldo’s fans swiftly came to his defense, pointing out that the Portuguese superstar has also spoken respectfully about Messi on numerous occasions. They highlighted past interviews where Ronaldo referred to their rivalry as “special” and expressed “affection” for Messi, even recalling moments of translating for him at award ceremonies. These fans contend that the portrayal of Ronaldo as arrogant is often exaggerated, stemming more from media and fan interpretations rather than his actual words.
The ongoing “GOAT” debate between Messi and Ronaldo continues to captivate the football world, and Messi’s recent comments have only added another layer to the complex and endlessly fascinating rivalry.
Read some of the reactions below:
They both respect and love themselves but Ronaldo himself knows Messi is the GOAT
— SAFO NYAME HERBAL THERAPEUTICS (@safonyameherbal) June 20, 2025
Ronaldo will screenshot this quote, frame it, and hang it on his wall, lmao.
— ~ Kay Parker (@su_pre_mo) June 20, 2025
Ronaldo: “He always treated me well and respected me”
Messi: “We’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect”
One is egocentric, the other humble.
— Kunle Coded (@kunle_codes) June 20, 2025
Messi had a better media experience than Ronaldo. If this were Ronaldo, he would have said something that would trigger a five-day debate on this app.
— Amourab (@amourab) June 20, 2025
This is no lie
Messi has a lot of respect for Ronaldo but he keeps on disrespecting Messi whenever he has the opportunity to talk about Messi.For this reason Messi will forever be greater than him
— Brave (@Brave_FCB) June 20, 2025
