The debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has divided opinions for decades now. The duo shares a rivalry like no other as the two disputing kings of soccer. Fans and pundits have been divided while choosing between the two but this time around, it is a politician.
Yes, you read it right, politicians are now making their choice between two of the greatest players of soccer. This politician is none other than Emmanuel Macron, who recently made known his pick between Messi and Ronaldo.
Speaking to the media, Macron was asked whether he thinks Messi is better or Ronaldo. To this question, Macron had a very easy answer which he gave without any doubt and it was the Portuguese, Ronaldo.
Macron said: “I prefer Ronaldo”.
Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi?
🇫🇷 Emmanuel Macron (President of France):
“I prefer Cristiano Ronaldo.”pic.twitter.com/VD2XTWm2YS
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) June 27, 2023
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated soccer ever since 2008 when Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or. Such was the dominance of the two that no other player won the award for 10 years until Luka Modric in 2018.
They collectively share 12 Ballon d’Or between them with Messi winning 7 and Ronaldo winning 5. Even though they have both moved into the twilight of their careers now, the debate about who’s better still remains.
It is quite wonderful to see a politician of Macron’s level interested in soccer. But this isn’t the first time that the French President has been connected with soccer.
Emmanuel Macron’s influence on soccer
Macron has been regularly connected with soccer over the past few years. The President was seen in attendance for France’s World Cup victory in Russia in 2018 and he was also present during the defeat to Argentina in Qatar.
His connection with soccer doesn’t end there as he was reported to have influenced Kylian Mbappe’s contract renewal at PSG. During his Real Madrid saga last year, it was reported that Macron had told Mbappe to stay in Paris.
“J’ai déjà essayé, on n’y arrivera pas”: Emmanuel Macron répond à des enfants qui veulent voir Mbappé à l’OM pic.twitter.com/Xi07mbmE0k
— BFMTV (@BFMTV) June 27, 2023
(Translation: “I’ve already tried, we won’t succeed”: Emmanuel Macron responds to children who want to see Mbappé at OM)
Mbappe said, “What influence does the President have? On my career today, in 2023, none. He wants me to stay in Paris, my objective is to stay. We’re on the same wavelength,” (via Sky Sports)
The 24-year-old recently informed PSG that he won’t be extending his contract in 2024. This means that the forward could leave on free next summer. This could force the club to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for free.
While the saga around Mbappe continues, it will be interesting to see whether Mbappe will listen to the President if he urges him to stay. Mbappe’s decision to stay or leave could result in huge effects on France’s soccer after the departure of Messi as well.