FIFA President Gianni Infantino Tactfully Sidesteps the Ronaldo-Messi Debate
In a diplomatic maneuver, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has skillfully avoided taking sides in the long-standing debate over who’s the better player: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. The 55-year-old FIFA chief made his comments during a recent livestream with popular YouTuber IShowSpeed, where he was promoting the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to kick off next month.
When asked to choose between the two football superstars, Infantino gave a measured response, acknowledging the passion and loyalty that fans from different countries have for their respective heroes. “Two great players. Two incredible players. If you are Portuguese, then you are for Ronaldo,” he said. “If you are Argentine, you are for Messi. If you are a football fan, or a soccer fan, however you call it, you want to see both because it is just a lovely game.” This thoughtful answer highlights the joy that both Ronaldo and Messi bring to the sport, transcending national loyalties.
Infantino’s comments also sparked an interesting idea: imagining what it would be like to see Ronaldo and Messi play together on the same team. “I’d love to see them play together. Imagine the two of them in the same team, wouldn’t that be something special?” he asked, leaving fans to wonder about the possibilities. With Messi, 37, and Ronaldo, 40, nearing the end of their illustrious careers, having won an impressive 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them, this hypothetical scenario is a tantalizing prospect. Currently, Messi plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, while Ronaldo represents Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Infantino’s tactful response to the Ronaldo-Messi debate serves as a reminder of the beauty of football, a sport that brings people together across cultures and borders. As the world prepares for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, fans can look forward to witnessing exceptional talent and skill on display, regardless of their allegiance to any particular player or team. By focusing on the joy of the game, Infantino’s comments encourage fans to appreciate the unique qualities of both Ronaldo and Messi, and to celebrate the sport that unites them all.
