The Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate is sure to captivate anyone with even a passing interest in sports. For the previous 20 years and even now, the two iconic football (soccer) players have brought out polarizing opinions about who is truly the GOAT of the game. Notably, UFC commentator and Joe Rogan Experience host Joe Rogan also became entangled in it. However, his response was a little out of the ordinary. Moreover, he was helped to a decision by Conor McGregor.

Joe Rogan recently sat down with journalist and executive chairman of VICE, Shane Smith, on episode #2214 of the Joe Rogan Experience. The duo talked about MMA fighters as well as other stars from different sporting realms. One such sport was soccer. So, just like any other soccer fan, Smith decided to bring forth the Messi and Ronaldo debate while stating the Argentinian star as his favorite. The reason? The humility of Lionel Messi.

Smith stated that he loved the humility of the ex-Barcelona star, as he never names himself as one of the best in the world despite being one. On the contrary, Smith disapproves of Cristiano Ronaldo for always calling himself the best ever. “He’s probably the most famous person in the world who’s done it all, and yet he really walks around as though he’s nobody. On the other hand, Ronaldo is a big showboat. If you ask Ronaldo who’s the greatest player ever, he’ll say, “It’s me.” Whereas if you ask Messi, he’ll list 10 people, and he won’t put himself on that list.” 

But when Joe Rogan was asked about his opinion, he stated that he preferred Cristiano Ronaldo because of his similarities with Conor McGregor. The JRE host stated that he loves sportsmen who boast a lot, have a major ego and attitude, and can trash talk and back it up as well. Something that’s similar between the Real Madrid legend and ‘The Notorious.’ “I’m all into whatever you’re into, whatever the f— you’re into. Like, I like the Conor McGregor who wears his diamond-encrusted watches and drives around in a Lamborghini. I f—ing love it!” 

Well, it surely looks like Rogan has chosen his pick. Although the choice has been made more on the basis of their characteristics than their soccer skills. But do you know that this isn’t the first time Joe Rogan has taken part in the Ronaldo vs. Messi debate? In fact, Rogan also chose an MMA counterpart for Messi. So whom did he name? Let’s find out!

Joe Rogan draws comparisons between Lionel Messi and ex-UFC fighter

On Joe Rogan Experience episode 1824, Rogan was joined by a fellow podcaster, Lex Fridman. The duo talked about all things sports, and it was during the discussion that they ran across the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo debate. Like Shane Smith, Fridman too chose Messi as his pick. But this time, it was because of his IQ and in-game movements rather than his humility.

However, Fridman had an interesting question prepared for Rogan. The podcast told the UFC commentator that Messi had distinct movements that made him stand out. So even if given a costume, one can easily identify that soccer star through his gameplay. So if there is an MMA star who too has such a distinguishable style of fighting, “I think everyone agrees is when you watch him, it’s art. And I was thinking in the same way who is that, like if you didn’t see the face or the uniform if you just saw there, you’ll still be like, you can still tell it’s Messi. And I was thinking, Who is that for MMA?” 

But it seems like Rogan was all prepared for the answer, or at least is a big fan of ‘Mighty Mouse’ as he declared Demetrious Johnson to be the MMA counterpart of the Argentinian legend. But what do you think? Who is the true soccer goat according to you? Is it the Barcelona legend or Mr. UCL Ronaldo? Let us know in the comments.