Gym selfies: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness rivalry rages on

Argentinean football star Lionel Messi posed for a gym selfie on Instagram just hours before being upstaged by Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi and Ronaldo are among the popular footballers who are being followed by millions of observant fans having interest in their personal and professional engagements.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who captains both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, recently posted a gym selfie alongside his wife Antonela Roccuzzo after a workout session ahead of the Major League Soccer (MLS) off-season kicking off in February.

Within hours, his Portuguese rival added himself to the fitness race by flashing his flawless abs in a gym selfie.

In the post on his Instagram account, the 38-year-old athlete showed well-defined six-packs and quadriceps provided proof of a perfect diet and a regular workout routine, which make him one of the fittest men.

Earlier in the month, Messi had secured the coveted title of TIME's Athlete of the Year 2023, surpassing renowned athletes Erling Haaland and Novak Djokovic.

The Argentine's move to Inter Miami proves pivotal as he leads the club to victory in the Leagues Cup, marking their inaugural silverware.

Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July this year, has made a significant impact on the team's popularity as well as its success on the pitch as the former Barcelona star's.

Apart from bringing unmatched fame to both the club and the league, the former Barcelona forward's signing with Inter Miami has seemingly also brought a significant financial 9-goal streak that propelled the club to the Leagues Cup final — eventually winning the title in a nailbiting penalty shootout against Nashville SC.