Despite Being a Real Madrid Fan, UFC’s Ilia Topuria Labels Lionel Messi as His Favourite Athlete & Inspiration

The popularity of Lionel Messi isn’t just limited to the soccer landscape. Thanks to the Argentine superstar’s majestic influence and soccer prowess, he captivates fans across sporting landscapes. This time, it’s UFC, as in a surprising twist, Ilia Topuria, a Real Madrid fan, confessed his deep admiration for Messi, even going as far as calling him ‘close to God.’

In the latest episode of the El Partidazo de COPE show, hosted by Juanma Castano, Topuria was invited. On the show, the UFC featherweight champion was asked to reveal his favorite athlete. Interestingly, the MMA star quickly took Lionel Messi’s name. That wasn’t the end of praise, as while highlighting La Pulga as his inspiration, he said, “I really like Messi, really. He is a great guy, familiar, humble, close to God… I love Messi”, as compiled by COPE. It seems the GOAT debate is settled for Topuria, who subtly chose the Argentine over Cristiano Ronaldo. It doesn’t end here, as Topuria also sprinkled salt on the wounds of Real Madrid fans!

While Madrid fans unwaveringly support their own legends, Topuria, being a die-hard Los Blancos supporter, deviated from the norm and didn’t take much time to throw his club allegiance out of the window. Aside from expressing his love for NBA legend Michael Jordan, he said, “I’m a fan of Real Madrid for its values, but as an athlete, I really like Messi and the approach he gave to his life, [Michael] Jordan too.” 

Indeed, this is quite a surprising assertion from Topuria, which is certainly going to bring discontent to the faces of ardent Madrid and CR7 fans. However, he is not the only Madridista to have sided with Messi. 

Real Madrid legend Kaka snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi

Recently, while creating an ideal player, Kaka chose Lionel Messi in terms of skill, by proclaiming, “I’ll take Messi. I don’t think I need to say something.” Meanwhile, fellow Brazilians Marcelo and Neymar were picked for their left and right feet. Additionally, Kylian Mbappe was chosen for speed, Erling Haaland for strength, and Kevin De Bruyne for soccer IQ. However, CR7 wasn’t selected. The disappointment for the Ronaldo fans doesn’t end here. 

READ MORE: “Don’t Punch Him… He’s the GOAT” – Will Smith & Lionel Messi’s Half-Time Bromance Gives MLS Fans a Never-Seen-Before Moment

Earlier, Eden Hazard also sided with the Inter Miami star by saying, “Individually, Messi is perhaps the only one.” Aside from backing him as the greatest in history, the Belgian asserted that it’s impossible to win the ball from the Argentine. “Cristiano is a greater player than me, but in terms of pure football, frankly, I don’t think so,” added Hazard. These instances make us wonder how easily such rivalries sometimes take a back seat to greatness.

READ MORE: Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi Emerges as America’s Most Popular Athlete; Tops Poll Ahead of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods & Others