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In an unexpected twist, a former UFC heavyweight has thrown his hat into the ring against internet personality and WWE star Logan Paul, reigniting a bizarre feud tied to Argentine soccer icon Lionel Messi. The drama began when Paul’s energy drink brand, Prime, partnered with global sports entities like the UFC, WWE, and FC Barcelona—Messi’s former club. However, tensions flared after Messi introduced his own energy drink, MAS, prompting accusations of imitation from Paul.
The spat escalated when Messi’s security team publicly called out the YouTuber-turned-boxer. Now, adding fuel to the fire, a UFC veteran has stepped forward to defend Messi, challenging Paul to a showdown (his identity remains under wraps for now).
From energy drinks to fight challenges
The clash between Logan Paul and Lionel Messi’s camp took another wild turn when Santiago Ponzinibbio, a seasoned UFC welterweight and fellow Argentine, entered the fray. Ponzinibbio didn’t mince words in a recent interview, dismissing Paul’s antics and asserting that the social media star would need to “beat a lot of people” before ever reaching Messi—with himself being first in line.
The rivalry began innocuously with corporate partnerships but spiraled after Paul accused Messi of copying Prime’s concept. Messi’s bodyguard swiftly retaliated, though the exchange initially fizzled out. However, Ponzinibbio’s intervention reignited the spectacle. The MMA fighter emphasized Messi’s irrelevance to the drama, stating the soccer legend likely doesn’t even recognize Paul.
“Messi is on a whole other level,” Ponzinibbio quipped, laughing off the idea of the Inter Miami FC captain engaging in such trivialities.
Santiago Ponzinibbio, a 19-fight UFC veteran, underscored Messi’s stature as a national hero and global inspiration. He praised the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner’s relentless focus and humility despite decades of dominance in soccer.
“He’s phenomenal… an example to be followed,” he remarked, stressing that anyone targeting Messi would face fierce resistance from his supporters.
The UFC fighter’s comments highlight a broader sentiment: Lionel Messi’s legacy transcends petty disputes. At 38, Messi continues to break records, earning MLS’s Most Valuable Player in 2024 after his high-profile move to the U.S. Ponzinibbio, echoing the pride of countless Argentines, framed the situation as a mismatch between a fleeting online persona and a sporting deity.
While Logan Paul’s boxing challenge to Messi remains speculative, Santiago Ponzinibbio’s stance adds a layer of credibility to the defense of the soccer star. For now, the UFC veteran’s message is clear: crossing Messi means crossing an entire nation—and he’s ready to be the first line of defense.
Why this feud matters
The Logan Paul-Lionel Messi saga underscores the collision of pop culture and traditional sports. Paul’s knack for viral controversies contrasts sharply with Messi’s quiet dedication to his craft, creating a narrative that captivates both fight fans and soccer enthusiasts. While Ponzinibbio’s callout may seem hyperbolic, it reflects the deep reverence Messi commands—a reverence that even UFC fighters won’t hesitate to protect.
As Prime and MAS vie for market dominance, this feud reminds us that in the age of influencers, even legends aren’t immune to online chaos. But with defenders like Santiago Ponzinibbio in Messi’s corner, Paul might find this battle harder than his boxing matches.
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