Cristiano Ronaldo has made a rare admission on his relationship with Lionel Messi, insisting that he has never had any issue with the Argentine.

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Battle for global supremacy13 Ballons d'or between themRivalry has always been friendlyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

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.

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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.

WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

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 when asked about a legendary scrap for supremacy: “I never had [a bad relationship with Messi]. On the contrary.”

Getty/GOALDID YOU KNOW?

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.”