Lionel Messi is perhaps the greatest footballer ever. The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner has won as many accolades as a footballer can. After leaving FC Barcelona, Messi has continued to impress fans with his consistent performances at Paris Saint-German FC. UFC’s Argentine star, Santiago Ponzinibbio believes that Lionel Messi is comparable to Muhammad Ali. He believes that La Pulga is one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Ponzinibbio appeared in an interview with TMZ. He was asked about Argentina’s hopes for winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He said, “Super, super excited. I told you, I love soccer. Man, I really believe this team is gonna shape the world. They’re playing so good. Probably the last World Cup for Messi. That’s a dream.” 

Ponzinibbio was high on Argentina’s World Cup squad and believes this team has the potential to achieve special things.

Ponzinibbio was asked about whether it is Lionel Messi‘s last chance to win the biggest prize in football, to which he replied, “Yes, for sure, man. I think it is the only thing he needs to do to be complete in his career. He is a real professional, you know?” The 36-year-old fighter believes that Messi knows it is his last chance and is motivated to work for it.

Ponzinibbio compares Lionel Messi to Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan

The Argentine fighter was also asked about Lionel Messi‘s status in Argentina and if he is the biggest star in his country.

Santiago Ponzinibbio compared him to boxing legend and phenomena Muhammad Ali and basketball legend Michael Jordan.

READ MORE: Top 5 Lionel Messi Goals in His Barcelona Career

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He said, “I think it’s Michael Jordan, you know. This kinda guy is a legend, legend of the sport, the all time. I think Messi is in this level, right? Michael Jordan, you know, Tom Brady. These kind of names create history in the sport. And I think Messi is around there. Muhammad Ali, they’re big names.”

The TMZ reporter asked Ponzinibbio if he ever had the chance to meet Lionel Messi. The Argentine said that he never met him in person but had only talked to him over a phone call. The reporter also touched on the rumor of Messi coming to Miami after the end of his Paris Saint-Germain contract. Ponzinibbio hopes that the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner comes to Miami. He’d like to meet Messi if he decides to come and play on the east coast.

WATCH THIS STORY: Santiago Ponzinibbio Top 5 Best Finishes In The UFC

The 2022 FIFA World has surprised many fans with a few unexpected upsets and surprises. Morocco became the first ever African country to reach the Semi-finals. Argentina will be facing France in the final on Sunday evening. Will Messi finally achieve his World Cup dream or will France sweep the cup with a second consecutive win? Drop your comments below.