Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Message On Messi Rivalry And Fans Who “Don’t Like Him”

Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Message on Messi Rivalry and Fans Who “Don’t Like Him”Cristiano Ronaldo has addressed the long-running tension surrounding his rivalry with Lionel Messi, saying he is aware that some fans of the Argentine star “don’t like” him but insisting that he remains focused on his own career and legacy. The Portugal captain made the remarks while speaking about his experience at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he has once again been at the centre of global attention both for his performances and his off-field comments. Ronaldo shared a light-hearted anecdote involving an Argentine flight attendant, explaining that he could sense the individual’s discomfort around him due to his nationality and his rivalry with Messi. “I know you’re Argentine… you looked at me and looked away quickly, you don’t like me,” Ronaldo reportedly said, recalling the interaction. He added that he defused the moment by pointing out that his partner, Georgina Rodríguez, is Argentine, joking that there was no reason for hostility. The forward said the incident reflects the intensity of the Messi–Ronaldo debate among supporters, which has often divided football fans across the world for more than a decade. Despite that, Ronaldo stressed that he does not allow fan rivalry or online criticism to affect his mindset, saying his focus remains on enjoying football and representing Portugal at the highest level. The 41-year-old, who has already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, also used the moment to reflect on the broader scrutiny he has faced throughout his career, insisting that criticism has followed him for more than two decades but has never distracted him from his goals. Ronaldo and Messi’s rivalry, widely regarded as one of the greatest in sporting history, has defined an era of football marked by individual records, Ballon d’Or battles, and contrasting club careers in Spain, England, France and beyond. While Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Ronaldo continues to pursue international success with Portugal, with both players still shaping narratives at the 2026 tournament despite their advanced stages in their careers. As Portugal progress deeper into the competition, Ronaldo said he is more focused on team success than external debates, insisting that respect for all football fans — regardless of who they support remains important.