Finn Russell’s Lionel Messi comment has generated quite a commotion. Probably, more than the rugby star would have wanted. The Captain of the Scotland Rugby Team has clarified that his statement was just a ‘jokey comment‘ while amusingly thanking Netflix as well. What could be going on? As per Russell, he didn’t have any intentions of comparing himself with Lionel Messi. He explained, “I didn’t think it would go to this sort of extent of comparing me with Messi. I think he’s won a good few trophies more than me.”

Lionel Messi with 44 trophies is the most decorated soccer player, while the rugby star’s only recognition is a Pro12 medal back in 2015. Moreover, Russell is 31, and it is highly unlikely that he will ever match Messi for trophies. Yet, that’s not what earned him the Messi comparisons in the first place. It’s the position and playing style where he distinctly evokes a Messi-like feeling.

As per the Scottish star, “I think the position he (Messi) plays in football is kind of similar to the fly-half in Rugby.” It has to be said that Russell is spot on here. The fly-half in Rugby is the player responsible for controlling the tempo of the game. They are the ones who orchestrate the attack & defensive patterns. This does seem similar to what Lionel Messi does on the soccer pitch. Perhaps, that could be why Russell made the Lionel Messi comparison!

In the Netflix documentary Six Nations: Full Contact, he was asked to describe himself to non-rugby followers. That’s when he made the viral comment. The star said, “Some people might say I’m good to watch – if you’re a football fan you might say like Messi.”

It’s strange to see Lionel Messi make the Rugby headlines. Yet, this is not the first time the Argentine’s name has made it to the rugby world. The legend had previously revealed that he could have been a rugby star, had things been slightly different.

Lionel Messi could have lined up for the Australian Rugby Team!

While previously visiting Australia, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner spoke of his admiration for rugby. His position was scrum-half and he loved the sport. However, soccer reigned supreme for the Inter Miami ace. Yet, he made an interesting comment that history might have been different if he had been born in Australia!

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Previously, Spanish Journalist Guillem Balague, who wrote a biography of Lionel Messi said that the playmaker followed the Wallabies (Australian Rugby Team). Back in the day, emigration was common with several Argentines moving to Australia. Luckily for soccer fans, Lionel Messi and his family stayed put in Argentina. Otherwise, the beautiful game might have been drastically different!

Is Finn Russell the Lionel Messi of Rugby? Tell us in the comments below.

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