06 September 2023 , 20:26
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Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he has "never chatted" to Lionel Messi as the Portuguese superstar issues an update on the rivalry between the pair.
The 38-year-old has been in fine form for Al-Nassr this season, scoring 12 times in 11 appearances, including six in the Saudi Pro League. That form has helped earn Ronaldo another spot in the Portugal squad ahead of two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg.
As for Messi, he has also shone for his Inter Miami following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in June. The 36-year-old has since scored 11 goals and grabbed five assists in 11 matches for the MLS outfit. He is also currently on international duty as Argentina prepare to face Ecuador and Bolivia.
When asked about his relationship with Messi, Ronaldo said, via Ojogo : "It was a good rivalry. It was claimed that Cristiano hates Messi and vice versa but that wasn't true. We have changed the history of football.
"The legacy continues and we shared the stage for 15 years so the respect is there.. I'm not saying that we are friends, I never chatted with him, but I respect him."
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Ronaldo's Portugal are in action on Friday when travel to Slovakia as they look to continue their impressive start to Euro 2024 qualifying. Roberto Martinez's side have won all four of their group matches - and Ronaldo is more motivated than ever to continue that run.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 12 goals for Al-Nassr this season (Getty Images)"We really want to win these two games, we know that by winning we are practically through," Ronaldo added. "These are two good, difficult games, especially this one against Slovakia.
"Away games are usually more complicated. But the team is feeling good and confident. We will try to win and then also at home to Luxembourg, because by winning we know that we are almost qualified."
Ronaldo is three goals away from scoring 450 in his professional career. Speaking about that total, he said: "It's a historical framework. For me it was a pride to achieve those numbers that I never thought of, but I want more. While playing in the game I'm afraid to be at the top. I'm grateful to the clubs and to the ones who helped me."