India, June 22 -- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered to be the greatest players in 21st century football history. The pair have won countless team trophies and individual honours. They also spent nine seasons in the prime of their careers facing off regularly against each other, while representing rival clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The pair also share a mutual respect for each other, as revealed in interviews. Ronaldo has also revealed in the past that their rivalry motivated him to get better.

Recently, Messi broke his silence on his relationship with the Portugal international. Speaking to D Sports at the sidelines of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, he said, "I hold a deep respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo ...