New Delhi, June 20 -- Lionel Messi holds a special mutual respect for one-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo but the Argentinean isn't 'friends' with the Portuguese talisman. Two of the best footballers in modern-day game, the Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry started around 2010 when the duo headlined the Spanish La Liga for Real Madrid and Barcelona.

While Messi graduated into the senior Barcelona side through the La Masia academy, Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2010 to enthrall the fans around the world for the next decade. Now at the fag end of their careers, Messi and Ronaldo do not play for any top clubs but USA's Inter Miami and Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr respectively.

There has been a several debates as to who among Messi and Ronaldo is the best. ...