Real Madrid forward admits he and Messi 'aren't good friends'

As the two best players in world football, Ronaldo and Messi have been rivals since 2009 and have eight Ballon d’Ors between them.

Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 , making the rivalry more intense as they battle each other for La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League and other individual prizes.

While Ronaldo believes that the rivalry is a media construct but admits he and the Barcelona star man ‘aren’t good friends’.

"We aren't good friends, but there is respect on both parts," Ronaldo said in an interview with Coach magazine.

"The media talk about a great rivalry, but we don't have one."

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The two football stars are once again shortlisted for the 2016 Ballon d'Or which Ronaldo is favourite to win.