“F**k Cristiano Ronaldo as long as Messi exists” - UFC superstar who supports Real Madrid aims X-rated dig at Portugal captain
UFC superstar Ilia Topuria has chosen Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. The UFC Featherweight champion has already been compared to some legends of the sport like Conor McGregor and Israel Adesanya, owing to his explosive entry into the scenes.
Since debuting in UFC in 2020, Topuria has risen steadily on the mixed martial arts world stage. The 27-year-old is a Real Madrid fan, but that hasn't stopped him from engaging in a war of words with Cristiano Ronaldo
Last month, the Portuguese ace commented that Topuria would struggle to knock out Max Holloway. Topuria proved him wrong and then hit out at the five-time Ballon d'Or winner on social media.
Speaking recently on the El Partidazo de Cope show, the elite fighter had a specific message for Ronaldo.
"F*** Cristiano as long as Messi exists," said Topuria.
Cristiano Ronaldo's rivalry with Lionel Messi has split the world into two for almost two decades. The two superstars are no longer young, but their zeal for excellence remains undiminished.
Ronaldo recently crossed the 900-goal mark in his career and is currently with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, plies his trade at Inter Miami. The Argentinean joined the MLS side in the summer of 2023 and has already won two trophies in the US.
Have Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi made it to the FIFPRO World XI this year?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have missed out on a place in the men's FIFPRO World XI this year. Both players were among the 26 nominees but failed to make the final cut.
The Argentine legend made the prestigious team on every occasion since 2007, the only player in history to do so. The Portuguese icon, meanwhile, last appeared in the FIFPRO World XI in 2021.
Ronaldo has 15 appearances in the best team of the year, as voted by fellow professionals. Messi, meanwhile, has appeared a record 17 times.
This year's team features six players from Real Madrid and four from Manchester City. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk has also made the cut. Ederson has been selected in goal, with Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal alongside van Dijk at the back.
The midfield consists of Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, Kevin De Bruyne, and Ballon d'Or 2024 winner Rodri. Erling Haaland teams up with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior to form a sizzling attack.