WATCH: Surprise, surprise - Cristiano Ronaldo's son is a Messi fan
If you believe everything you read, you'd probably be forgiven for thinking that nothing but a flimsy bridge of ice exists between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in terms of personal relations.
However, fans were treated to a rare glimpse of a normal - even somewhat cordial - exchange between the two superstar rivals at the recently-concluded Fifa Ballon d'Or award ceremony in Zurich, courtesy of Ronaldo's son.
With minutes to go before the start of the gala event, Cristiano Jr was sitting around with his family backstage when Messi entered the room.
Urged on by his dad, the four-year-old made his way to intercept the slightly-taken aback Barcelona star, who said: "What's up? How are you? Good?"
As shyness got the better of Cristiano Jr as he made his way back to his father's side, Ronaldo told Messi: "He watched a video of us on the Internet and he talks about you."
The ex-Manchester United star then tells his son not to be embarrassed, coaxing a chuckle out of the Argentine maestro.
Given all that's been written about their relationship, watching Messi and Ronaldo enjoy a genuine moment of warmth definitely has a feel good element to it.
And it's all thanks to Cristiano Jr's admiration for daddy's rival.
Sources: 101 Great Goals, Dirty Tackle, Bleacher Report
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now