NBA Star Anthony Edwards Snubs Ronaldo, Wears Messi Jersey

Edwards' bold fashion choice at NBA All-Star Game sparks debate over soccer's greatest rivalry.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 8:07am

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During the NBA All-Star festivities, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards created a stir by dismissing football legend Cristiano Ronaldo and wearing a Lionel Messi Argentina jersey as he celebrated winning the MVP award. Edwards' public disregard of Ronaldo intensified debates about the ongoing rivalry between the two football greats.

Why it matters

Edwards' jersey choice and dismissive comments about Ronaldo underscore the diverging paths of the two soccer superstars. While Ronaldo maintains prolific scoring records in Saudi Arabia, Messi has become a major cultural figure in the United States since his move to MLS. Edwards used his elevated platform during the All-Star weekend to blend basketball prominence with ongoing international football rivalries.

The details

Following his dominant performance on the court, Edwards took the opportunity to share his thoughts on the Messi versus Ronaldo discussion. When asked about Ronaldo, the Portuguese striker currently with Al-Nassr, Edwards delivered a playful but dismissive reply, sparking widespread attention across social media and sports outlets. By wearing the blue-and-white striped jersey of Argentina, Edwards visually sided with Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami captain and Major League Soccer icon, over the Saudi-based star.

  • The NBA All-Star festivities were held on Sunday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who won the NBA All-Star MVP award.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A legendary Portuguese footballer currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Lionel Messi

An Argentinian footballer and captain of Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.

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What they’re saying

“Cristiano Ronaldo, who's that? I can't f*ck with him! Where does he play?”

— Anthony Edwards, NBA All-Star MVP

The takeaway

Edwards' bold fashion choice and dismissive comments about Ronaldo during the NBA All-Star Game have sparked a renewed debate about the ongoing rivalry between soccer superstars Messi and Ronaldo. His visible preference for Messi and the Argentine national team ensures he remains a figure of interest in the intersection of global sports discourse.