Cristiano Ronaldo makes rare admission on Lionel Messi relationship as Real Madrid icon assesses whether anyone will ever match what he & his Barcelona rival achieved at their peak

Two all-time greats have been locked in a battle for global domination across two decades. Ronaldo has claimed five Ballons d’Or, while eternal rival Messi has eight Golden Balls to his name. Between them they boast countless records.

Both have won league titles in Spain and across Europe – in England, Italy and France – while international honours, including the European Championship and World Cup, have been secured with Portugal and Argentina. The long-running GOAT debate continues to rage.

Ronaldo has his supporters, and will always back himself, but has never clashed with Messi when it comes to their on-pitch skirmishes. CR7 has told La Sexta when asked about a legendary scrap for supremacy: “I never had [a bad relationship with Messi]. On the contrary.”

Quizzed on whether professional football will ever see another duo post the numbers that Ronaldo and Messi have managed, the Portuguese icon said: “I hope so, it would be very good for football... but I think it's unlikely.”

Messi is still going strong with Inter Miami at 37 years of age, as the reigning MVP in MLS, while Ronaldo – who is set to turn 40 on February 5 – remains a prolific presence for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and intends to reach 1,000 career goals before giving any thought to retirement.