Lionel Messi has once again shown that his genius isn’t limited to the football field. This time, the Argentine star impressed fans with his sharp wit during an interview by smartly avoiding one of the most challenging questions he could be asked.
The Question That Sparked It All
During a recent chat, the 38-year-old Inter Miami forward was asked a simple but loaded question:
“Who is the best player in the world apart from Messi? You can’t pick yourself.”
It’s a question that has divided football fans for almost two decades because, of course, the first name most people would expect is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate has been going on for years, with both players dominating world football like no others before them.
But Messi’s answer caught everyone by surprise.
Messi’s Picks — But No Ronaldo
Messi calmly replied:
“It’s hard to pick because there are so many. In my opinion, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Eden Hazard, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Agüero. I may have forgotten some, but any of these players could be the best.”
Fans noticed it right away: Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t on the list.
The names Messi mentioned were mostly players he’s close to or has shared the pitch with, either at Barcelona, PSG, or with Argentina. But leaving out Ronaldo, his greatest rival, set off a wave of reactions online.
A Clever Move, Not an Insult
A few fans called it a snub, but others disagreed. Messi’s choice looked like a good way to avoid a touchy subject. Naming only players he knows, he skipped the old Messi vs. Ronaldo argument, which he’s clearly over.
That was so Messi: calm, smart, and quietly sure of himself. He didn’t have to trash Ronaldo; he just changed the subject.
Fans React Around the World
Social media lit up right after the interview.
- Messi fans praised him for handling the question gracefully.
- Ronaldo fans felt he deserved to be mentioned no matter what.
But one thing everyone agreed on, even after all these years, the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo still captures the world’s attention.
Messi’s Legacy Speaks for Itself
At this point, Messi doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone. He won a World Cup, has eight Ballon d’Or awards, and tons of records, so he’s already a legend. Ronaldo is still fantastic, too, because he is driven and consistent, even now.
But this little thing shows something cool about Messi: He’s still humble, can think fast, and deals with challenging moments with grace.
In the End…
Messi not picking Ronaldo isn’t just about who’s the best player. I think it shows he’s come of age. After their long-time rivalry, he doesn’t need to say anything to show how good he is. What he does on the field, and off it, speaks for itself.