Lionel Messi and his unexpected confession about Cristiano Ronaldo that shocked everybody

Today, the full interview Lionel Messi gave for La Sexta was released. The GOAT opened up about every aspect of his life. His career at FC Barcelona, his intent to leave last summer, his sons, political stances, everything. The Argentinian showed his most sensitive and intimate side.

He knows he is one of the best sportsmen around. And he knows that he and Cristiano Ronaldo are the current icons of soccer. So the question regarding this popped up, which sportsmen does he admire, and he ended up saying what he feels about the other GOAT, the Portuguese.

Messi said he admires Cristiano Ronaldo. He also admires LeBron James, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. They are sportsmen that stand out among the rest and give their bests for them or their teams. But in soccer, CR7 is the only one he has in that high regard.

Both players have had a soccer related rivalry for years and years, but they actually get along well. They are not friends, but recognize each other, admire each other and make each other work harder and get better. The rivalry got the best of both and they are mutually thankful for that.