Ronaldo vs Messi: NBA superstar and Nigeria's Giannis settles GOAT debate

Giannis Antetokounmpo before the game vs Inter Miami. (Photo Credit: Giannis/Instagram)

Ronaldo vs Messi: NBA superstar and Nigeria's Giannis settles GOAT debate

Izuchukwu Akawor 10:02 - 20.08.2023

Giannis Antetokounmpo was live to watch his Nashville SC take on Cristiano Ronaldo's rival Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami in the MLS Leagues Cup.

Nigerian basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has inadvertently revealed who is the football GOAT between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Antetokounmpo was one of the high-profile personalities in attendance at the MLS Leagues Cup final between Nashville SC and Inter Miami.

Giannis
Giannis has always embraced his Nigerian heritage. (Photo Credit: Giannis/Instagram)

The NBA star was there as a part-owner of Nashville, who hoped to ruin the party for Inter and their global superstar Messi.

Nashville vs Inter Miami

In the end, Nashville proved to be a worthy challenger in the Leagues Cup final against Messi’s Inter who also had Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in action.

Messi
In the 23rd minute, the Argentine maestro scored the opener to give Inter Miami the lead which they took to the halftime break. (Twitter/Inter Miami)

As reported by Pulse Sports, Messi led Inter to the Leagues Cup final following a penalty shootout win in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Messi was on target again after he fired Inter in front at the break following his strike in the 23rd minute.

At GEODIS Park in Nashville, the two-time NBA MVP blasted a kick into an empty net and then ran to the center of the field to execute Cristiano Ronaldo's famous "SIU" celebration.

However, Nashville fought back in the second half to draw level, with Pabrice Picault scoring the equaliser just before the hour mark.

Inter went on 10-9 in what turned out to be a dramatic and tense penalty shootout.

Giannis’ GOAT debate

Before the Leagues Cup final which saw Nashville go on to lose on penalty, part-owner, Giannis took to the GEODIS Park Stadium to have a special time with the fans.

Before the game, Giannis stated that he admires Messi for all he has accomplished in football. (Giannis/Instagram)

The Greek-born Nigerian proved to be a Cristiano Ronaldo fan after he motivated his team and home fans with the iconic celebration ‘siu’ celebration.

A video of Giannis hitting the siu trended on social media as shared by Pulse Sports.

Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo hits the Siu celebration. (Photo Credit: Imago)

However, despite making it clear where he stands on the GOAT debate, Giannis did not waste time to show respect to world cup winner, Messi.

He took to his official X.com page to recognise Messi following his brilliant performance against his club Nashville in the Leagues Cup final.

‘Messi. Respect ,” he posted.

Messi for Inter

The 36-year-old has completely turned things around for David Beckham’s Inter Miami, with his goals proving decisive.

Messi
Lionel Messi has scored 10 goals and assisted one since he joined Inter Maimi. (Photo Credit: Inter Miami/X)

Messi has scored 10 goals and assisted one more since he made his debut against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup back in July.

He was also named the competition’s top scorer and most valuable player while also becoming the most decorated player in football history with 44 titles to his name.

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