Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo: the truth about how they actually get along in intimacy

The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been the most talked topic in soccer for the almost 15 years. Many goals, many trophies and many awards have appeared in that span, but what is it off the pitch? Is it a friendly rivalry like Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal? Or are they enemies like Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola? 

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have declared seeing each other as rivals, so this is not only portrayed by the media. They said they push each other to be better players. When asked, Messi said they are not exactly friends. They do not see each other frequently so building a friendship with Cristiano will be impossible.

Some hints about their relationship appeared in the Ballon d'Or events. In one opportunity, Cristiano took his son with him and told Messi how Cristiano Junior watches videos of him playing. Ronaldo had no problem admitting how his son had Messi as an idol. In one of the interviews, Ronaldo said he would like to have dinner with Messi, but the opportunity never came.

It seems the relationship is in a neutral point, with Ronaldo more willing to have a friendship than Messi. Respectful, but that is the limit. A bit counterintuitive, given the Portuguese does not have many players as friends, while the Argentinian made friendships with the majority of teammates he has had.

The Ronaldo-Messi rivalry in numbers

The statistics between them are very close. In his whole career, CR7 scored 754 goals in 1032 matches (0,73 average), while Messi found the net 714 times in 890 games (0,8 average). In the number of titles, the numbers are high and close as well, with the Argentinian lifting a trophy 34 times, three more than Ronaldo.