Anthony Joshua settles Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate once and for all as he reveals the man he admires most

Anthony Joshua insists Cristiano Ronaldo is better than legend and rival Lionel Messi.

For years, fans of Ronaldo and Messi have been debating who is the absolute best player, but to this day no conclusion has been reached.

But in Joshua’s case, CR7 beat the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner because the Manchester United legend “really had to work for it”.

AJ believes Messi is a “natural” talent and the Portugal captain, who has won only five Ballon d’Ors, must work harder to reach the elite level he currently plays at.

However, the boxing star insists he respects both legends and admires their work ethics.

Joshua told Men’s Health magazine: “I would choose Cristiano Ronaldo.

“They are both great. But I think Messi is more natural.

“Ronaldo really had to work hard. Of course, both men worked hard, but Ronaldo needed to do more and did that.

“I would say the same goes for (MMA and boxer) Francis Ngannou. I get to spend a lot of time with him.”

Messi and Ronaldo have been competing for titles since they burst onto the scene in 2004 with Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.

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However, their rivalry intensified in 2009 when the Portuguese superstar moved to Real Madrid, and they really sparred in some legendary El Clasicos until he left for Juventus in 2018.

But 2023 appears to be the year when their post-European era ends.

Ronaldo joined Al Nasr in Saudi Arabia, and Messi joined Inter Miami in the United States.