‘He always respected me’ – Firstpost

Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his love for Argentina and his longtime rival
Lionel Messi
ahead of the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain. Ronaldo, who is now 40 years old, spoke honestly about his personal connection with the country and his respect for Messi.

Ronaldo said he has a lot of affection for Argentina, mainly because of his wife, who is from there. The Portuguese legend also revealed that some clubs from Argentina had invited him to play in the Club World Cup. Ronaldo even admitted that he has never been to Argentina but hopes to visit one day because of the love he feels for its people.

“I know I have lot of affection for Argentina, it’s because my wife is Argentine, so how could I not be fond of it? I’ve been with my wife for 9 years, I love her, you know, and I have a very special affection. I’ve had invitations to play the Club World Cup with Argentine teams, you know that. You never know, time is there, you know? I am already 40 years old, but I always say, ’never say never’ but I find it difficult. But I really like Argentina. I have never been to Argentina, but I want to go. I have a lot of affection for Argentines,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo on Messi: I have affection for him

Ronaldo also talked about Messi, with whom he shared one of the most famous rivalries in football history. Despite the intense competition, Ronaldo said that he has always respected Messi and received the same in return from the Argentine legend, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“I also have an affection for Messi. The truth is, we were rivals for many years, but I have said in a few interviews that we’ve been on the stage for 15 years. I remember back then, but I don’t know if he speaks a little English now, but Messi didn’t speak any English. I used to translate for him when they explained what we had to do at the gala, blah, blah, blah…and I translated for him. I have affection for him because he always treated me well and respected me a lot just like I respected him. But I think it’s very unlikely…though you never know,” he said.

Even though Ronaldo said it is unlikely that he and Messi would play together for one club, he didn’t rule it out.