Lionel MessiThe much-awaited three-day ‘Bakri India Tour 2025’ Football fever has begun to rage across the subcontinent. The four-city tour began on a grand note in Kolkata on December 13, where the World Cup winner was given a grand welcome.
Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025
His initial events at the Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan) included a celebrity appearance and the virtual inauguration of a 70-foot statue, attended by high-profile Indian celebrities. Sourav Ganguly And Shahrukh KhanBridging the gap between football and Indian stardom. As Messi travels to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, meets celebrities Sachin Tendulkar, ms dhoni And Virat Kohli There are excessive rumors about events such as Paddle Goat Cup The long standing debate on football GOAT has been reignited in the clinics of Mumbai and Delhi. It’s interesting to look back at where these three cricket icons stood on the choice of Messi vs Ronaldo, revealing the divide in their appreciation of the talent.
Virat Kohli’s choice: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Source: FIFA.com, 2019)
Kohli is a die-hard fan Cristiano RonaldoThe Portuguese forward was selected as the GOAT based on his tireless work ethic and dedication to physical excellence. Kohli has repeatedly said that Messi is the one “Complete Natural Talent” And a “freak”, it is Ronaldo’s determination and will to put in effort during every single minute of the game that sets him apart from everyone else.
Kohli gave his full response on the matter to FIFA.com in 2019, which was reported by multiple outlets: “It is a personal choice. Messi is a prodigy, an absolute natural talent, and his ability is second to none. For me, the most important thing is the ability or will to put in the effort every single minute of the game. Ronaldo’s drive sets him apart from everyone else. Playing at the top level, everyone has talent, but I don’t think anyone has the will that he has.” Furthermore, he has described Ronaldo as “the most complete player” he has ever seen, praising his skill with both feet, pace and overall success in many challenges in his career.
Sachin Tendulkar’s choice: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?
- Lionel Messi (Source: Graham Bensinger Interview, 2022)
Tendulkar was inclined towards Messi in the GOAT debate and favored the Argentinian’s unique, natural artistry and creative talent on the field. Tendulkar’s approach often coincided with prioritizing innate, innate talent over pure athletic drive. Although he didn’t give a lengthy explanation like Kohli, his short, definitive statement was captured during an interview Graham Bensinger The show, in 2022, sums up their choices perfectly. When Tendulkar was asked to choose between two football legends, he revealed his choice with this quote: “Messi is just like me.” This short answer suggests an attraction to Messi’s style of play, which reflected the classical, elegant style for which Tendulkar himself was known.
MS Dhoni’s choice: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?
- Lionel Messi (Source: Official Twitter exchange, August 9, 2013)
Dhoni revealed his choice to become Messi in a direct conversation with a fan on Twitter in 2013, Dhoni, known for his love for football and calm nature, is often compared to Messi’s patience, but he resolved a long-standing fan curiosity by directly answering a question about his favorite player between the two. A fan account @hemali03 asked Dhoni: “What do you think about Ronaldo and Messi? Who is your favorite?” On 9 August 2013. Dhoni’s full quote, as seen in the verified exchange, was sharp and clear: “I’d say Messi.” This short answer solidified his preference, linking him with the Argentine forward’s natural talent rather than Ronaldo’s inspired athleticism.
The user’s question can no longer be viewed as it appears to have been deleted or deactivated. However, MS Dhoni’s The official reply appears on their timeline, confirming their priority. As seen in the verified exchange, Dhoni’s full quote was sharp and clear: “I’d say Messi.” This short answer solidified his preference, and linked him to the Argentine forward’s natural talent.
@hemali03 i would say messi
– Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) 9 August 2013
Also read: MS Dhoni’s daughter Ziva gets Lionel Messi signed Argentina jersey; pictures go viral
