NBA sensation Anthony Edwards ignited a social media firestorm on Sunday by feigning ignorance regarding football legend Cristiano Ronaldo during the NBA All-Star festivities in California. The 24-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves guard, colloquially known as “Ant-Man,” delivered the controversial remarks while donned in a Lionel Messi Argentina jersey at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Edwards’ dismissal of the Portuguese icon came shortly after he secured the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy, following a commanding 47-21 victory for his “USA Stars” over the “USA Stripes.”
The basketball star used his post-game platform to lean into the long-standing “GOAT” debate between Ronaldo and Messi. When reporters questioned him about the Al-Nassr striker, Edwards opted for a humorous and dismissive tone that quickly went viral across sports networks. His choice of attire—the blue and white stripes of the current world champions—served as a visual endorsement of the Inter Miami captain over his Saudi-based rival.
“Cristiano Ronaldo, who’s that? I can’t f*ck with him! Where does he play?” Edwards responded when journalists asked for his thoughts on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The comments highlight a stark contrast in the current career paths of the two footballing titans. While Ronaldo continues to shatter scoring records in the Saudi Pro League, Messi has become a cultural phenomenon in the United States since joining Major League Soccer. Between them, the pair shares an unprecedented 13 Ballon d’Or awards, yet Edwards’ “Ant-Man” persona clearly favors the Argentine playmaker’s influence on American soil.
Beyond the banter, Sunday proved to be a career milestone for Edwards on the court. His MVP-caliber performance spearheaded a youthful “Stars” roster that overwhelmed a “Stripes” team featuring veterans like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. By leading his squad to a blowout win in the tournament-style finale, Edwards solidified his status as one of the new faces of the NBA, even as he stirred the pot in the world of international soccer.
Fans of the Portuguese forward were quick to point out Ronaldo’s global reach, while Messi supporters praised Edwards for his “flawless” taste in jerseys. Regardless of the backlash, the Timberwolves guard appears comfortable in the spotlight, using his breakout All-Star weekend to bridge the gap between professional basketball and global football politics. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Edwards’ public preference for the Albiceleste ensures he remains a central figure in the cross-sport conversation.
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