“A walking work of art. Vintage, beyond valuation, beyond forgery or imitation,” as renowned soccer commentator Peter Drury once said. It’s the Madeira-born legend’s 39th birthday today. It’s a day where the fans seem to celebrate, but with fear as each passing year, Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement comes near. Manny Pacquiao is one of those fans.

The Filipino boxing legend wished his friend CR7 a happy birthday on his Twitter account. He did it with the potential to raise a debate, which has been reoccurring in the soccer arena. Does he think Cristiano is the GOAT of soccer?

GOAT x GOAT

On a day marked by celebration, Manny Pacquiao took to Twitter to extend his heartfelt wishes. In his tweet, Pacquiao expressed, “Happy 39th birthday to the 🐐 @cristiano! Hope you have an amazing day with friends and family.” This gesture bridges the gap between the two different sports with grace and camaraderie.

Clearly, Pacquiao’s choice of words, notably the ‘GOAT’ emoji, not only underscores Ronaldo’s legendary status in football but also reflects a deep-seated respect, while simultaneously raising an argument between Messi and Ronaldo fans. Moreover, tagging Ronaldo directly invites a personal connection, emphasizing the sincerity behind the message.

After a difficult 2022 where CR7 lost the world cup, had some personal issues and had to leave Manchester United, the Portugese came back strong. Cristiano, playing for Al Nassr, was the top goal scorer in 2023, beating the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe for it. And this wasn’t his only 2023 highlight. Ronaldo met Pacquiao in the Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou event, where he showed how much of a fan he was of Pacquiao.

Ronaldo’s enthusiastic greeting to Manny Pacquiao in Riyadh

In a scene that perfectly encapsulates the camaraderie between sports legends, Cristiano Ronaldo’s exuberant greeting to Manny Pacquiao became a highlight of their encounter in Riyadh. During a gala dinner ahead of the ‘Battle of the Baddest‘ boxing match, Ronaldo couldn’t contain his excitement, loudly calling out, “Hey, Pacquiao! How are you brother,” to capture the attention of the Filipino boxing icon.

This wholesome moment, caught on camera by TNT Sports, showcased a genuine connection between the two, transcending the boundaries of their respective sports. Further immortalizing their meeting, Pacquiao shared on Instagram, “Hey RONALDO! @cristiano,” alongside a series of photos with the football superstar, echoing the warmth and mutual respect of their interaction.

Also Read: Manny Pacquiao’s Former Trainer Blames Floyd Mayweather for Halting Rematch, Reveals Real Reason Why It Could Never Happen

Do these interactions between athletes from different disciplines inspire a deeper sense of unity and respect among fans and players alike? Ultimately, Pacquiao and Ronaldo’s wholesome greeting not only enriches their personal narratives but also strengthens the fabric of global sportsmanship.

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