“If I was running a football team, I’d probably prefer him” - When Rahul Gandhi picked ‘better footballer’ in Cristiano Ronaldo v Lionel Messi debate

The Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate has survived decades now, with prominent people from all spheres of life jumping in to deliver their verdicts over the years. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is one of them.

Speaking at The Conclave 2023 event, hosted by Pratidin Media Network in New Delhi on September 24, 2023, Gandhi declared Lionel Messi as a better footballer than Cristiano Ronaldo, adding that he'd pick the Argentine if he was running a football club.

"I think Messi is actually a better footballer," he was quoted as saying by Live Mint. "If I was running a football team, I’d probably prefer Messi."

Gandhi isn't the first famous Indian figure to declare a preference for Lionel Messi. During an interview with American journalist Graham Bensinger (via Goal) earlier this year, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar revealed his preference for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner whom he described to be more like his own type.

Similarly, Dinesh Karthik, regarded as one of the best wicket-keeper bastmen the country has ever produced, also gave his vote to the Inter Miami superstar when queried on the subject, saying (via All Football):

"Messi. He is slightly different. I enjoyed watching him whatever little I have watched of him so far."

Meanwhile, another Indian cricket icon, Virat Kohli gave the nod to Cristiano Ronaldo as he delivered his verdict on the GOAT during an interview with Kevin Pietersen back in 2014. He said:

"Lionel Messi is a freak, absolute natural talent, and his ability is second to none. For me, what stands out is the ability or the will to put in the effort in every single minute of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo’s drive separates him from everyone else. Playing at the top level, everyone has talent, but I don’t think anyone has the will that he has."

It goes without saying that this debate will rumble on for years. But as it stands, Messi objectively has the edge at the moment due to his success in the World Cup and major individual accolades.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo experienced contrasting fates at international tournaments this summer

The two superstars got involved with their national teams this summer as they competed in the European Championship and the Copa America. However, they experienced contrasting fates.

While Lionel Messi managed to taste another Copa America triumph with Argentina beating Colombia in the final, Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't fire Portugal beyond the quarterfinals of the Euros where they were knocked out by France.

As it stands, neither player has returned to club action. The Argentine is currently sidelined following an ankle injury he picked up on international duty. His Portuguese rival, meanwhile, is yet to reunite with his Al-Nassr colleagues for the preseason.