German football great Lothar Matthaus has revealed that global icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo barely share a personal bond despite dominating world football for nearly two decades.
Matthaus drew the comparison while reflecting on his own rivalry with the late Diego Maradona, insisting that unlike today’s two biggest stars, he and Maradona maintained genuine off pitch communication.
In an interview with The Times of India, the former Bayern Munich captain explained:
“Diego was the standout player of my generation. People compare our rivalry to what Messi and Ronaldo have today. But the difference is simple. They do not talk. They do not spend time together. Diego and I had a real relationship. We shared private moments, even celebrated after matches.”
Messi and Ronaldo are widely regarded as two of football’s greatest ever players, with a combined 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them.
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