'You don't have to hate Messi' - Cristiano Ronaldo insists he doesn't have a rivalry with Leo but admits he is not friends with the Argentine superstar after monumental duels with Real Madrid & Barcelona

The Portuguese spoke candidly about his relationship with Messi and claimed that the rivalry between arguably the two greatest players of all time is over. He urged his fans to respect both players "who changed the history of football" and not "hate" the Argentine maestro.

If you like Cristiano, you don't have to hate Messi. The two changed the history of football and are respected. Rivalry? I don't see those things like that, we shared the stage for 15 years. I'm not saying we are friends but we respect each other," he told reporters.

Ronaldo and Messi spent over a decade in Spain, playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, pushing each other's limits and defying all odds to script one of the most spectacular sporting rivalries in sporting history. However, both superstars have left Europe in the twilight of their careers to pursue fresh challenges. While Ronaldo opted to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Messi has shifted base to the United States and plies his trade for Inter Miami in the MLS.

Ronaldo will be back in action on Friday against Slovakia in a Euro 2024 qualifier, while Messi will lead the Argentine side against Ecuador in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Thursday evening.