UFC Champion Islam Makhachev gives his verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate

Ronaldo vs Messi rivalry continues to remain a hot topic even in 2025

The classic question: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? was posed to UFC champion Islam Makhachev during a recent livestream with Adin Ross.

His response? Ronaldo—but for a different reason.

Makhachev said that he thinks both of their playing styles are equally amazing, stating that their on-field prowess is “50-50.” However, he decided to pick Cristiano Ronaldo as his favourite because of the character of Ronaldo.

It’s interesting that Islam Makhachev acknowledged that he formerly preferred Messi, particularly when Messi was at Barcelona.

He went on to say, “But now everything has changed,” leading followers to wonder what would have caused him to change his mind.

“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.”

Adin Ross asked Islam Makhachev "Messi or Ronaldo" and he replied "Before I liked Messi until he moved to Miami and Ronaldo is now in Saudi, so Cristiano" pic.twitter.com/Eatvj40Lw0

— sea✰ (@destroynectar) January 12, 2025

Both Messi and Ronaldo continue to captivate fans with their on-field exploits even as they approach the end of their remarkable careers. Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, had a spectacular season with 23 goals and 13 assists, winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the 46th time in his career.

However, Ronaldo has demonstrated his value at Al-Nassr by scoring 17 goals in 20 games this season in the Saudi Pro League, and he has shown no signs of slowing down. But now merely one or two years are left in their playing career before they finally announce their retirement from the sport.

But the debate on who is the greatest will continue even after they retire as it is something that will never end. The argument over which of the two footballing titans is the best is still a topic that interests both fans, commentators and even players.

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