Lionel Messi posts gym selfie before being upstaged by Cristiano Ronaldo

The long-running rivalry rages on between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as both star footballers posted gym selfies online within a difference of hours.

Messi alongside his wife Antonela Roccuzzo posed for gym selfie on Instagram just hours before Cristiano Ronaldo flashed his flawless abs.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been working out ahead of the Major League Soccer (MLS) off-season kicking off in February when Luis Suarez will join him at Inter Miami.

He was showing off his abs in the selfie posted on the video-photo sharing app, enthralling his fans observing his personal and professional life.

However, the Portuguese star upstaged his Argentinean rival within a day by posting the glimpses of his workout session.

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.