Cristiano Ronaldo insists he has 'affection' for eternal GOAT rival Lionel Messi as Portuguese superstar explains how he bonded with Argentine sensation

Ronaldo and Messi have gone head to head for the best part of two decades, with fans consistently debating if the Portugal superstar is better than the Argentine World Cup winner. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times to Ronaldo's five. From 2008 to 2017, the two established a duopoly on the most prestigious individual award in the sport.

Messi currently plays in MLS with Inter Miami, while Ronaldo is playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, as both careers begin to wind down. Now, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has claimed that he has always held a great deal of affection for Messi, as he used to translate for him at award ceremonies.

Ronaldo told reporters: "Of course I have affection for Messi. We’ve been on the stage together for 15 years. I remember I used to translate English for him at the galas because he didn’t speak it well. He always treated me well and respected me."

Ronaldo will next be in action when Portugal go in search of UEFA Nations League glory against Spain on Sunday. Messi, meanwhile, will next be in action when Argentina face Colombia in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.