Messi, Ronaldo

An argument over who is better between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has turned tragic in India.

Indian Police confirmed on Monday that a Nigerian has been charged with murdering his friend after a heated argument over whether Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s better footballer.

Police said the Nigerian national stabbed one of his countrymen to death after the two of them argued over who was better; Barcelona star Messi or Real Madrid talisman Ronaldo.

Police Inspector Kiran Kabadi said an offence of murder had been registered against Michael Chukwuma, 21, over the death of 34-year-old Obinna Durumchukwu on Sunday in the northern Mumbai suburb of Nallasopara.

‘The two Nigerian youngsters were discussing football players. One is a fan of Messi and the other was for Ronaldo,’ the inspector said.

‘During the conversation a quarrel has taken place. The deceased threw a glass into the face of the accused person. The glass broke and caused small injuries

‘After that the accused took the broken glass and assaulted the deceased person who died due to heavy bleeding,’ added Kabadi.

The stars in question are considered the greatest players in the world and have both been nominated for the Ballon d’Or every season since 2007. Messi has won the award five times with Ronaldo taking the gong on three occasions.

No one was available for comment at the Nigerian high commission (embassy) in New Delhi.