Cristiano Ronaldo shares Messi’s untold story, reveals he translated English for him at awards

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he often translated English for Lionel Messi at award ceremonies, offering a glimpse into their respectful relationship that goes beyond the legendary football rivalry / Image: Balland’or For 15 years, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have shared football’s biggest stages, competing for trophies and individual honours, while millions of people have argued over which of them deserves the title of greatest ever. However, out of the limelight, their relationship has been friendlier than their rivalry suggested, with Ronaldo revealing that he even helped Messi understand English during the awards ceremony. The Portugal captain has now spoken of their mutual respect, although he is unwilling to relinquish his claim to football’s top crown.

Ronaldo recalls helping Messi at the awards ceremony

In an interview with CNN Portugal, 41-year-old striker Al-Nassr recalled how he sometimes translated instructions for Messi when they appeared together at the awards ceremony, offering a glimpse into their relationship outside the competition.“We have shared award stages for 15 years,” Ronaldo said.“And we always got along very well. I remember translating for him once or twice what they were saying in English, ‘Messi, you stay here’.”Ronaldo explained that he would help Messi understand what the presenters wanted from him, including when the Argentines said someone would ask him a question.“Then he would ask you something. And I would translate it. The presenter would tell you, ‘We’ll do it’, and you’d tell Messi, ‘Yes, very well’. And it was funny.”

For nearly two decades, Messi and Ronaldo have shared the awards ceremony, collected countless trophies and dominated football’s biggest nights.

He added that Messi has always treated him well despite their competing loyalties.“He always treated me well. Of course he defended his club and I defended mine. He defended his national team and I defended mine,” Ronaldo said.Their rivalry often seemed personal to supporters who debated their achievements, but Ronaldo presented it as a healthy competition between two players determined to keep improving. He compared their relationship to that of Formula 1 greats Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, whose rivalry helped define their sport.“I think there were years when he wanted to give everything and score, and so did I. It was a healthy rivalry, like maybe Ayrton Senna and Prost had. I think we motivated each other,” he said.

Ronaldo still refuses to call Messi the greatest

Their mutual respect has not changed Ronaldo’s position in the ongoing debate about football’s greatest player, although Messi has the edge in several major categories, including World Cup success and Ballon d’Or awards, with eight to Ronaldo’s five.Ronaldo acknowledges that individual fans will naturally favor different players, but makes a clear distinction between personal preference and questioning one’s own abilities.“Personal preference is one thing, saying this, this, this… prefer Messi, Pelé or Maradona. I understand that and I respect that,” he said.“But to say that Cristiano is not complete is a lie.Ronaldo’s argument rests largely on his extraordinary goalscoring record, with the forward scoring 980 goals in 1,337 professional appearances for club and country. He believes his performances still don’t get enough credit, especially as there is increasing debate over whether he can reach 1,000 career goals.“People don’t appreciate my current form, my goals,” Ronaldo said.“They’re more concerned with 85 goals to go, 85 goals to go… But I don’t like that. I don’t like that.”He also made it clear that reaching four figures would be an extraordinary achievement rather than something that defines his place in football history.“Things have to happen naturally. If I score 920 goals, 925, 930… I’m the best in history, period,” he said. “Scoring goals, the numbers speak for themselves. So I’m not going to sit here and say I have to score a thousand goals. If I do, it’s fantastic.”

Ronaldo’s retirement question adds urgency to the milestone

The interview comes amid uncertainty over how much longer Ronaldo intends to continue playing after suggesting last month that he was likely to leave when the Saudi Pro League season ends in June next year. When asked about his long-term future, he admitted that his motivations could change, making his remaining playing years difficult to predict.Ronaldo is now back with Al-Nassr after leaving Portugal’s national team camp during the international break in October following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. However, the Portuguese FA president and Jesus have since publicly expressed their desire to welcome him back, leaving open the possibility of a return during the November international window depending on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.

Soccer Football – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr vs Al Diriyah – Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 9, 2026 Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after scoring a goal that was later disallowed REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Meanwhile, Messi has reportedly ended his Argentina international career and speculation is rife that he could leave Inter Miami altogether after the MLS season ends.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal from the penalty spot during his final match for the national team, a friendly soccer match against Benin, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. AP/PTI(AP10_07_2026_000009B)

Their careers are approaching their final chapters at different speeds, but Ronaldo’s comments show that his respect for Messi does not require him to abandon their rivalry. Even after 15 years of competing together, he still believes the numbers back up his own claim, leaving open the possibility of one more notable milestone before his playing days are over.