Logan Paul is no stranger to online beefs but one of his stranger exchanges involved one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Lionel Messi.
As a WWE superstar who also defeated Dillon Danis in a pro boxing bout, Paul is constantly making noise and exploring different career paths.
His energy drink brand PRIME, which first released in January of 2022, has proven to be a huge success for the social media star.
One of the brand’s many partnerships, alongside both the UFC and WWE, is with FC Barcelona which is the former home of the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner.
After he accused the soccer star of copying PRIME with his own drink, MAS, Paul was called out by Messi’s bodyguard but he’s now attracted the attention of a staple of the UFC’s welterweight division.
Santiago Ponzinibbio says that Logan Paul will have to go through him and many others to get to Lionel Messe
As a fellow Argentine, Santiago Ponzinibbio didn’t hesitate to come to the defense of one of his nation’s sporting heroes.
The brief comments that were exchanged between Logan Paul and Lionel Messi’s bodyguard didn’t lead anywhere but that didn’t stop from the 19-fight UFC veteran from making it clear that if the WWE superstar wants to get anywhere near the Inter Miami FC player, he’ll have to go through him first.
Ponzinibbio spoke in a recent interview with MMA Fighting where he gave his reaction to the beef and stated that he would be one of many names who would be ready to defend Messi in such a scenario.
“It’s crazy, right? It all started because Logan Paul talked about Messi. Messi doesn’t even know whose Logan Paul, brother. He’s on a whole other level [laughs].
“This guy went after Messi saying he wants a boxing match, but he’ll have to beat a lot of people before he gets to Messi — and I’ll be one of them. This is b——-.”
Having spent 17 years playing for Barcelona’s first team before joining Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons, Messi moved to America in 2023 where he was named the MLS’ Most Valuable Player at the end of the 2024 season.
Ponzinibbio, who is one year older than the sporting icon at 38, said that the decorated forward is an inspiration to many people which would only make Paul’s task even harder if he truly wants to fight the Argentina captain.
“Messi is the man. He’s an example to be followed. It’s impressive, brother. He keeps breaking records. It’s incredible how many years playing at the highest level and doesn’t lose focus. He had everything to lose focus, but he remains obsessed, keeps making history, and staying a humble man.
“He’s phenomenal. So [Paul] definitely has to beat a lot of people before he gets to our beloved ‘Pulga’, Leo Messi. And I’ll be one of them.”
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Santiago Ponzinibbio was once considered to be the bogeyman of the welterweight division
Santiago Ponzinibbio is set to return to the Octagon at UFC Des Moines on May 3 where he faces Daniel Rodriguez with the hope of recording back-to-back wins for the first time since 2018.
Since returning from a long hiatus, the entertaining welterweight has struggled to recapture the form that previously made him one of the most exciting contenders in the world at 170-pounds.
Before he was forced to take significant time off due to injuries, Ponzinibbio put together a 7-fight win streak that included wins over the likes of Neil Magny, Mike Perry and Conor McGregor’s teammate, Gunnar Nelson.
After being just one fight away from a title shot, he has gone 3-5 after stepping back inside the Octagon in January of 2021 to try and pick up from where he left off.