In a viral video, Chelsea forward Joao Felix can be seen picking Argentina’s Lionel Messi over his fellow Portuguese countryman Cristiano Ronaldo as the best free-kick taker he has ever seen. This comes after both players’ most recent appearances for their respective national teams reignited their storied rivalry.
In Portugal’s 4-0 rout of Liechtenstein in their EURO 2024 qualifiers, Cristiano Ronaldo scored two magnificent goals, while Messi also scored as Argentina defeated Panama 2-0 in a friendly. The fact that both players scored a goal each from free-kick was one of the things that stood out.
Fans flock Twitter with hilarious reactions as Felix snubs Cristiano Ronaldo as best free-kick taker
While Cristiano Ronaldo scored his free-kick in the 63rd minute, smashing his shot past Benjamin Buchel of Lithuania, Leo Messi scored Argentina’s goal against Panama in the 89th minute by skillfully curling a free kick over the defence and into the top-left corner. Following their breathtaking goals last night, the anticipated discussion about which of the two superstars is the better free-kick taker has already gotten hot.
Best player to take a free kick?
Joao Felix: "Messi"
pic.twitter.com/mDiCsBFx7S— The FTBL Index 🎙 ⚽ (@TheFootballInd) March 7, 2023
In the meantime, a video of Chelsea star and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portuguese teammate Joao Felix picking the greatest free-kick taker has appeared online. Unexpectedly, Felix chose Ronaldo’s foe Messi as the best free-kick taker he had ever seen. On Twitter, some fans have responded to Felix’s decision. The 23-year-old attacker didn’t rate Cristiano according to fans, as reactions flooded in:
Doesn't rate his own idol😭
— Um (@Fancy694) March 13, 2023
Man doesn’t rate Cristiano. 😭😭😭
— 🕌 (@pitchwalker) March 8, 2023
Doesn't rate Penaldo. He have seen the light 😭😱
— Milner🇦🇷🇦🇷 (@LM8th_dOr) March 8, 2023
That's why I rate him so much
He knows ball— Frenkie (@AkshayVinod17) March 16, 2023
Snubbed Pendu
— Vino (@_vinoviper) March 16, 2023
Bodied his countryman Penaldo 😭
— Adam Dandler (@adamdandler6) March 8, 2023
But he used to love ronaldo i mean before wc 🤭
— … (@crymorecrynow) March 8, 2023
Felix knows balls 💯
— Barcelona 💙❤️ (@yamagoatchi0606) March 16, 2023
The best portugese player rn.
He knows ball
— Rooster (@thegrayrooster1) March 16, 2023
Then…boom!!! Ronaldo unfollows him😂
— OLA.com (@topperquadri) March 17, 2023