Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he used to act as an English translator for Lionel Messi at major awards ceremonies.
In an interview with CNN Portugal, the 41-year-old Al Nassr forward offered insight into their long-standing relationship off the pitch.
An Unexpected Role on Stage
For over a decade, football fans watched Ronaldo and Messi compete for the game’s highest individual honours. Yet behind the scenes, the pair remained cordial.
Ronaldo explained how he helped Messi navigate stage instructions when the Argentine felt less comfortable speaking English.
“We shared the award stages for 15 years. And we always got along very well. I remember a time or two translating for him what they were saying in English, ‘Messi, you’re going to stay here’,” Ronaldo said.
“Afterwards, she’s going to ask you a question. And I would translate.The presenter would say to you:‘We are going to do this‘, and you would tell Messi:‘Yes, very good‘.And it was funny,” he added.
Ronaldo stressed that club and national rivalries never ruined their mutual respect.
“He always treated me well. Of course he defended his club and I, mine. He defended his national team and I, mine,” Ronaldo noted.
Driven Like Formula One Legends
Ronaldo compared their 15-year duel to the famous Formula One rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.
He explained that competing against Messi pushed both players to reach greater heights throughout their careers.
“It was a healthy rivalry, like the one they had maybe Ayrton Senna and Prost. I think we motivated each other. I think there were years where he wanted to give everything and score, and so did I,” Ronaldo recalled.
Career Statistics and the GOAT Debate
Both players built extraordinary records during their peak years.
Messi, 39, currently holds eight Ballons d’Or, a World Cup trophy, 13 league titles, and six Golden Boots. Ronaldo holds five Ballons d’Or, five Champions League titles, eight league titles, and four Golden Boots.
Despite acknowledging varying fan opinions on the greatest player of all time, Ronaldo rejected any criticism of his overall ability.
“Personal preference is one thing, saying this, this, this… prefer Messi, Pelé, or Maradona. I understand that and I respect it,” Ronaldo stated.
“But saying that Cristiano isn’t complete is a lie,” he added.
Chasing the 1,000-Goal Landmark
Ronaldo is currently closing in on 1,000 professional career professional career goals. He sits on 981 career goals for club and country, leaving him just 19 strikes away from the landmark.
However, the Portuguese forward expressed frustration with public fixation on the target.
“People are not appreciating my current form, my goals. They are more concerned with saying that there are 85 goals left, 85 goals to go… But I don’t like that. I don’t like it,” Ronaldo explained.
“Things have to happen naturally. If I score 920 goals, 925, 930… I am the best in history, full stop,” he declared.
