IThis is the ultimate water cooler debate. In the world of elite sports, we are always forced to choose sides when icons of two generations collide. Usually it’s just a matter of personal preference. Because at Summit, everyone is excellent and we simply offer different brands of excellence.
In this century alone, we’ve been spoiled with era-defining rivalries like tennis’ Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer, the surgical precision of the NFL’s Tom Brady vs. brainiac Peyton Manning, and the ongoing chess match between the NBA’s Stephen Curry vs. LeBron James. But on a global scale, nothing touches the heated debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Giannis chooses between CR7 and Messi
As NBA All-Star weekend grabbed the attention of the world, the Media Day stage provided the backdrop for an unexpected crossover. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is literally involved in the game as minority owner of MLS’s Nashville SC and Premier League’s Chelsea, was given the spot: Messi or Ronaldo?
The “Greek Freak” had no hesitation and his reasoning was vintage Giannis. He chose Cristiano Ronaldo, but it wasn’t the goal, it was the effort. Giannis explained that he empathizes with Ronaldo’s obsession with his craft, especially the endless hours the Portuguese star spends maintaining and training his body to stay at the top.
Ronaldo’s path resonates for a man who built his MVP legacy through tireless hard work, rather than just “naturals.”
As for Messi, Giannis was quick to congratulate the Inter Miami star, describing him as a “pure natural talent” and acknowledging that he is arguably the best player of all time. However, for players who value the idea of “making things, not being born,” CR7’s blueprint cannot be ignored.
Giannis looks to Michael Jordan’s standard
The Bucks superstar also took some time to change his football IQ, casually dropping the Ballon d’Or and multiple Champions League trophies from his name. For Giannis, the debate itself is the real prize. He pointed out that both Messi and Ronaldo are “already winners” as their names are now forever fused in the history of the sport.
After all, that’s the level of greatness Giannis is pursuing. He admitted that his dream is to one day have the exact same conversation about him in the basketball world. “I hope that someday people will ask the same question: Who is better, Jordan or me?”
