Cristiano Ronaldo has shed some light on his relationship with great rival and 8-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo and Messi's rivalry has lasted over 15 years and is unlikely to end anytime soon, not even after their retirement.
Both stars have competed for the biggest trophies and individual awards for more than a decade, with Messi claiming the edge in the Ballon d'Or sweepstakes and, of course, finally landing the FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, has a resume comparable to any footballer past and present, as well as a strong fanbase that believes he is the GOAT.
The expectation when you have a rivalry of this magnitude is for both parties to be enemies off the field as well, after all, both fanbases have a strong disdain for the other.
However, Ronaldo has explained in a recent interview that they actually have a friendly relationship off the field, especially as they have grown older.
Speaking to Edu Aguirre, CR7 revealed that he helped Messi translate from English to Spanish at an award ceremony.
"I have a good relationship with Leo Messi. I was translating him in English at an award ceremony, too!".
"It was funny. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along".
This will be surprising to many fans who believe it is almost a cardinal sin to be a fan of both players, but the reality is much different.
Ronaldo, who turns 40 this month, remains increasingly competitive, and there are reports that he is targeting the 2026 World Cup.
On Messi's part, it is unclear if he will feature in another Mundial, but the two legends will keep going for now.
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