Barcelona star Leo Messi is reluctant to describe his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo as a "friendship".

Messi, speaking with World Soccer magazine, was asked if he was close to his Real Madrid rival.

"I do not know," replied the Argentine.

"Friendship is something that is built with time together. We do not have any relationship because we only see each other at prize giving, which is the only time we talk to each other.

"Everything is fine, but our lives do not cross very often."