Giannis Antetokounmpo Reflects on Football Legends Messi and Ronaldo

omidbasir- Giannis Antetokounmpo, having grown up in Greece, is an enthusiastic football fan. He maintains professional ties with several clubs and draws inspiration from top athletes across various sports.

For over two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the football landscape, and both continue to showcase their brilliance as of 2026. Messi recently extended his contract with MLS Cup champions Inter Miami through 2028, while Ronaldo is reportedly generating transfer discussions at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

There are suggestions that Ronaldo could make a move to the United States, potentially allowing him to play alongside or against his long-time rival, Messi. Giannis is one of many who would be thrilled to witness such a remarkable transfer.

Currently, he observes from a distance as these two all-time greats elevate the standards of individual excellence in football. Giannis regards Messi as the epitome of footballing talent but sees a deeper connection with Ronaldo, noting the latter’s relentless dedication and work ethic throughout his career.

During the NBA All-Star Game Media Day, Giannis discussed the ongoing Messi versus Ronaldo debate. He stated, “I think Messi is pure talent—remarkable talent, sustained through hard work and discipline. He might be considered the greatest player of all time.

“However, I relate more to Ronaldo, who exemplifies hard work, discipline, and consistency over many years. At 41 years old, he is still performing at an elite level, so my mindset aligns closely with that of Cristiano Ronaldo.

“While they are different personalities—Ronaldo being more flamboyant and me being more reserved—our shared love for the game, commitment, and continual self-improvement resonate with me more closely.

“When comparing their achievements—Messi’s eight Ballons d’Or to Ronaldo’s five, or their respective World Cup and Champions League titles—it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

“The crucial point is that once you reach the stage where you can compare Messi and Ronaldo, you’ve already succeeded. I aspire to reach a point where people compare me to Michael Jordan, signifying I have already achieved greatness in life.

In prior statements, Giannis has expressed admiration for football icons such as Luis Figo, Nani, and Deco, but he ultimately declares Ronaldo as the greatest of all time, stating, “Any sport he would engage in, he would likely excel at it.

Giannis is a part-owner of Nashville SC in Major League Soccer, which brings him closer to Messi, especially after the Argentine’s remarkable move to America. In 2023, Antetokounmpo attended a match featuring Inter Miami. He further demonstrated his support for Ronaldo by performing the iconic ‘Siuuu’ celebration during a public appearance.

Moreover, Giannis has also invested in Chelsea’s women’s team, which has performed admirably in recent Women’s Super League seasons. As for Ronaldo’s potential long-term stay in the U.S., it remains uncertain, particularly as he resumes play in the Middle East. However, he is expected to be in America this summer, captaining Portugal in his sixth World Cup finals, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.