SUMMARY
- Dirk Nowitzki recently angered Cristiano Ronaldo's fans with his bold take on the neverending Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi GOAT debate.
- On July 21, 2019, Dirk Nowitzki participated in the Champions for Charity football game against Team Mick Schumacher at the BayArena in Leverkusen.
Dirk Nowitzki etched his name in the history of the NBA with his commendable performances. His signature shot, one-legged, step-back fadeaway offensive style, and basketball IQ won the hearts of many. However, Nowitzki recently angered Cristiano Ronaldo’s fans with his bold take on the neverending GOAT debate. He not only picked Lionel Messi but gave an unusual reason behind his pick.
Dirk is not a fan of Ronaldo
“I’m a Messi guy… Ronaldo to me, the shirt off and the ‘hey hey look at me’ – it’s just not my style.”
(🎥 @CBSSportsGolazo / h/t @TheAthletic )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 10, 2024
In the new episode of ‘Kickin’ It,’ the former NBA player was asked about where he sits on the Messi vs Ronaldo debate. He responded by saying, “I’m a Messi guy. I don’t know how he carries himself or how he plays; he is a little super quick, like super fast.” Nowitzki went on to clarify that Ronaldo is also one of the fastest players in the game, however, his way of celebration is not something he relates with.
“Ronaldo to me, the shirt off and the, ‘Hey hey look at me’, it’s just not my style,” he explained. Furthermore, the special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks compared Messi and Ronaldo as he said, “Messi to me is way more low-key and I could identify more of that.” These statements don’t sit well with the Ronaldo’s fans and they have been reacting in massive numbers.
One said, “Ronaldo is clearly better than Messi,” on similar lines, another commented, “We don’t care. Ronaldo is the greatest to ever play the sport.” Furthermore, fans asked him to stay in his respective sport as they said, “Stick to Basketball dirk,” with a clown emoji. There were a few who stated that while they respect Nowitzki’s opinion, they would choose Ronaldo over Messi anytime.
Dirk Nowitzki raised €100,000 by participating in Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s “Champions for Charity” game
Dirk Nowitzki played for 21 seasons in the NBA, all of which he spent in the Dallas Mavericks’ jersey. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 and imminently traded to the Mavericks. Nowitzki retired from the league in 2019 and not only spent time with his family but also raised money.
On July 21, 2019, he participated in the Champions for Charity football game against Team Mick Schumacher at the BayArena in Leverkusen. Nowitzki took the goalkeeping responsibilities and was able to help raise €100,000 through his participation. Interestingly, he even attempted a penalty kick which didn’t go that well but his spirit throughout the game was high.
Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t see Lionel Messi as a rival anymore
The neverending debate of Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi seems to be over after decades. At least that is what Ronaldo believes as he doesn’t see Messi as a rival anymore. In an interview with ESPN, he said, “I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is gone. It was good, spectators liked it.” Ronaldo went on to explain that those who like him don’t have to hate Messi and the same goes the other way around.
Furthermore, Ronaldo said, “We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing.” In addition to this, he spoke about how Messi has followed his path and he has followed him, regardless of playing outside of Europe, and that both of them are doing well. “The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that,” he said towards the end.