Who is No.1? Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo would put on ‘great fight’ in boxing ring as Inter Miami superstar is told why he must steer clear of confronting pitch invaders

Two all-time greats in football circles have been slugging it out for the best part of two decades in their respective day jobs. They have 13 Ballons d’Or, record-setting hauls of trophies and countless entries in the history books between them.

The debate regarding who can be considered the GOAT continues to rage, as both approach the end of their respective careers, and it would appear that retirement will be reached without ever gracing the same team in a competitive fixture.

Former world champion Khan would like to see Messi and CR7 go toe-to-toe between the ropes, telling Instant Casino: “That would be a great fight. I’d buy a ticket for that. We don’t know who the number one is. I like both - Ronaldo’s a great ambassador, so is Messi. But with the kind of money those guys are on, I don’t think they’d ever actually fight. They don’t need to.”

Ronaldo is a regular at fight nights in Saudi Arabia, as he turns out for Al-Nassr, while Messi has been challenged to a duel by WWE star and YouTube sensation Logan Paul. His bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has offered to step up there.

Khan added on Messi, who is regularly confronted by pitch invaders when representing MLS side Inter Miami and World Cup winners Argentina: “Honestly, just run. He’s got so much to lose and give - don’t even try to fight back. He’s on such a huge wage, it’s not worth the risk. I get why they moved his bodyguard away, but really fans just want to touch him, hug him - they’re not trying to hurt him. They love him. It’s not like they’re out to harm him.”

Messi and Ronaldo are both expected to grace the World Cup finals in 2026. It remains to be seen how much longer they will continue beyond that point, with CR7 already 40 years of age while his eternal rival will turn 38 in June.