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Barcelona legend, Lionel Messi recently named Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the toughest opponents he has faced. While their rivalry continues to dominate the world of football, we toyed with the idea – What if two of the best football players in the world, engaged themselves in a quick game of kabaddi?
Ronaldo would, most probably, be the sole raider in his team
Having dominated the scoring charts for Real Madrid over the past few years, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Cristiano is the only raider in his team. However, he would definitely have to bank upon a rock solid defence to give him a breather every now and then.
We’re well aware of Ronaldo’s dislike to track back on the football field; well you can expect the same on the kabaddi mat. One could picture Cristiano with his hands on hips as his team passionately defends an opposition raid.
Another issue could be Ronaldo’s celebration. With the winger spending a considerable amount of time celebrating every goal he scores, opposition raiders could take advantage of this and surprise him by getting in a quick hand touch point to their name.
Messi will, in all likelihood, not breeze past 5-6 players as he does on the football field. Messi’s goal against Athletic Bilbao last season was one of the goals of the decade. The way he danced past 5 defenders to slot the ball past the keeper’s near post was surreal to say the least. However, Messi would find it extremely difficult to do the same on the mat.
That being said, one can write of Messi at their own peril.
One could picture the diminutive Argentine nutmegging himself between the opposition defenders legs. His nimble feet and low centre of gravity could help him ease past the overly aggressive defenders.
Cristiano Ronaldo may cause too many stoppages in the game. While we know Ronaldo for his ruthless goal-scoring abilities, there is no denying his diving theatrics on the field. Considering how physical kabaddi is, Ronaldo could end up stopping the game at regular intervals every time he feels a touch or his hairstyle gets messed up.
Come what may, Anup Kumar or Rahul Chaudhari will eventually end up winning the Kabaddi d’Or and not Cristiano or Messi. In the background, Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho is busy arguing with a journalist as to why Hazard deserves the award over Rahul and Anup.
