FIFA President Gianni Infantino has diplomatically avoided taking sides in the long-standing Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate, offering a measured response when questioned about the two football icons.
The 55-year-old FIFA chief was recently featured on popular YouTuber IShowSpeed's livestream, where he was promoting the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to begin next month.
When pressed to choose between Messi and Ronaldo, Infantino offered a diplomatic response that acknowledged both players' exceptional talents while avoiding declaring a personal preference.
"Two great players. Two incredible players. If you are Portuguese, then you are for Ronaldo," Infantino told Speed. "If you are Argentine, you are for Messi."
He continued: "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."
Infantino then proposed an intriguing scenario that would delight football fans worldwide: "I'd love to see them [Messi and Ronaldo] play together. Imagine the two of them in the same team, wouldn't that be something special?"
Both Messi, 37, and Ronaldo, 40, are in the twilight of their illustrious careers, having collectively won an unprecedented 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them. Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), while Ronaldo represents Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
The FIFA President's appearance on IShowSpeed's platform comes as part of the global football governing body's promotional efforts for the expanded Club World Cup tournament, which has generated significant interest across the football world.
