German football legend Lothar Matthaus has stirred fresh conversation about the long-running rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the two icons barely speak to each other.
In a candid interview with The Times of India, Matthaus compared his own sports rivalry with the late Diego Maradona to the modern-day clash of football giants.

Matthaus described Maradona as the greatest player of his era, and said that despite their fierce battles on the pitch, they shared genuine friendship away from it.
“We had many private moments and parties after games,” he recalled, drawing a sharp contrast with Messi and Ronaldo’s relationship.

According to Matthaus, the two modern superstars have never developed that level of personal connection. “They are not talking to each other. They don’t make parties together,” he said.
His claims reignited debate among fans about whether the pair’s rivalry hindered a more cordial relationship.

For nearly two decades, Messi and Ronaldo dominated world football, winning 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them and pushing each other to unprecedented heights.
Their rivalry has been celebrated worldwide, but Matthaus believes it lacks the warmth and camaraderie of past football duels.

Football analysts argue that the pressures of modern media, global branding, and intense public scrutiny may have created emotional distance between the two legends.
Still, both players have publicly shown mutual respect on many occasions, even if personal interaction remains limited.

As both icons approach the twilight of their careers, Matthaus’ comments have sparked fresh nostalgia and speculation over what could have been, had the two greatest players of their generation actually been friends.