Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? UFC star Islam Makhachev picks favorite between 2 superstars

UFC star Islam Makhachev has picked his favorite between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, partaking in a debate that has raged on for two decades. The legendary status of the two players have led to other players, fans, pundits, and athletes of different sports picking sides in the debate.

Makhachev was interviewed by internet personality Adin Ross, who asked him to pick between Messi and Ronaldo. The current UFC Lightweight Champion responded (via Al Nassr Zone on X):

"I think Ronaldo. The person I like more: Ronaldo. They play both very well at a high level, one of the best of all time. But the person I like more is Ronaldo.

"Before, I liked Messi, when he played at Barcelona. Khabib [Nurmagomedov] chose Real Madrid, I always chose Barcelona, but now, everything has changed. He lives in Miami, but Cristiano is now in Saudi."

Both players have left Europe. Lionel Messi plays for Inter Miami in the USA, while Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

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When Cristiano Ronaldo declared rivalry with Lionel Messi "gone"

Back in September 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo declared the end to his rivalry with Lionel Messi. In January of that year, the legendary Portuguese superstar closed the curtains on his career in Europe, leaving for the Middle East. By the summer, his Argentine counterpart moved across the pond to the USA.

Speaking about Messi, Ronaldo said (via ESPN):

"I don't see things like that, the rivalry is gone. It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa. We've done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing."

The legendary striker continued:

"He's followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. From what I've seen, he's been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don't see the rivalry like that.

"We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I'm not saying we're friends, I've never had dinner with him, but we're professional colleagues and we respect each other."

Since leaving Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 with Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi, on the other hand, won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024 with Inter Miami. The duo have won a combined 13 Ballon d'Or awards, with Messi racking up an unprecedented eight, and Ronaldo taking home five.