“I Like Messi More”: Ilia Topuria Snubs Partner Ronaldo
“I Like Messi More”
Topuria Prefers Messi Over Business Partner Ronaldo
UFC Champion’s Surprising Football Preference
UFC star Ilia Topuria has said he likes someone more. He made a surprising admission about football preferences recently. Specifically, he prefers Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi clearly. Additionally, Lionel Messi is liked more by him than Ronaldo. Moreover, Messi is preferred over Cristiano Ronaldo by the UFC fighter. This preference exists despite being a business partner surprisingly. He works with the Al-Nassr forward in business ventures. The admission is noteworthy given their professional relationship together.
Ronaldo’s Investment in Fighting Championship
Previously, in November 2025, Ronaldo joined Topuria in business. The Portuguese superstar became involved as a shareholder recently. Specifically, he invested in WOW Fighting Championship alongside Topuria. Both became shareholders in WOW Fighting Championship together. The partnership began several months ago successfully already.
Moreover, to date, the pair have been spearheading operations. They lead the Madrid-based promotion jointly and actively. Both have been spearheading the Madrid-based promotion since launch. The fighting organization operates from Spain’s capital city. Their collaboration has been productive for the business so far.
Admiration for Messi Despite Business Ties
Nevertheless, however, despite their business affiliation, preferences differ. Topuria’s football allegiance lies elsewhere surprisingly and honestly. Specifically, Topuria admires Ronaldo’s archrival Messi more genuinely. He prefers the Argentine legend over his business partner. The UFC champion favors Messi despite working closely with Ronaldo. His honesty about this preference shows authenticity and independence.
Indeed, UFC star Ilia Topuria’s admission that he likes Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi more than Cristiano Ronaldo, despite becoming business partners with the Al-Nassr forward as co-shareholders in Madrid-based WOW Fighting Championship since November 2025, demonstrates that personal football preferences transcend professional business relationships, with the fighter openly admiring Ronaldo’s archrival even while spearheading the fighting promotion together.
Topuria’s Candid Admission on Kick
UFC Star Addresses GOAT Debate
Subsequently, speaking to Kick, the Georgian-Spanish mixed martial artist answered questions. He participated in an interview on Kick platform. Specifically, he was asked about the never-ending debate. The interviewer brought up the never-ending Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate. The eternal football argument continues dividing opinions worldwide.
Topuria responded honestly and directly:
“Cristiano became my [business] partner…. I like Messi more.”
Previous Spat Between Ronaldo and Topuria
Previously, in 2024, Ronaldo had a brief spat publicly. He clashed with Topuria on social media unexpectedly. Moreover, at the time, the Portuguese superstar accused Topuria harshly. Ronaldo accused him of talking ‘too much’ publicly. The criticism came from the Al-Nassr forward directly. Subsequently, the mixed martial artist hit back immediately. Topuria defended himself with the mixed martial artist hitting back strongly.
He responded to Ronaldo’s criticism:
“I didn’t expect someone like you to be unable to distinguish between confidence and arrogance.”
Context of Original Criticism
Furthermore, at the time Ronaldo criticized Topuria specifically, circumstances differed. The timing was significant for both parties involved. Notably, the latter held the UFC featherweight title then. Topuria was champion when the exchange happened. He defended his belt successfully multiple times already. His confidence stemmed from championship success legitimately.
Personal Preference Transcends Business
Moreover, Topuria’s preference for Messi despite circumstances is notable. His choice stands despite his business relationship with Ronaldo. The partnership doesn’t influence his football opinions clearly. This shows that personal admiration can outweigh ties. Personal feelings outweigh professional ties sometimes genuinely. Topuria proves authenticity matters more than business politics.
Eternal Debate Continues Dividing Opinion
Finally, the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate persists. It has continued to divide fans endlessly worldwide. The argument also divides other sports athletes alike constantly. Athletes from different sports take sides regularly today. Moreover, both players dominate football for longevity. They dominated football for almost two decades impressively. Their era defined modern football completely and permanently. Additionally, they are sharing the Ballon d’Or 13 times. The awards came between them across their careers. Messi has eight while Ronaldo has five trophies. The rivalry continues even in semi-retirement currently.
Indeed, UFC star Ilia Topuria’s candid admission on Kick that “Cristiano became my [business] partner…. I like Messi more,” despite their WOW Fighting Championship collaboration and following their 2024 social media spat where Ronaldo accused the then-UFC featherweight champion of talking “too much” and Topuria responded about distinguishing “confidence and arrogance,” demonstrates how personal football preferences transcend professional relationships in the never-ending Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate that continues dividing fans and athletes worldwide as both legends share 13 Ballon d’Or awards after dominating football for almost two decades.
