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Megan Rapinoe Says Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi Could Do More To Help Fight Racism

Megan Rapinoe Says Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi Could Do More To Help Fight Racism

Megan Rapinoe believes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not making the most of their popularity.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Megan Rapinoe believes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could make better use of their popularity.

The two titans of world football are by far the most popular and marketable players in world football and although they have been involved in anti-racism campaigns with UEFA, the two-time World Cup winner thinks they should use their platform for greater good in the fight against racism.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"They could do so much if they decided to use their stupendous level of popularity to fight racism, for example," the American star told L'Equipe Mag.

"I'm not talking about wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt, I'm talking about going deeper."

21-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and France sensation Kylian Mbappe is widely expected to fill the void left by Ronaldo and Messi when they eventually retire.

Image: PA
Image: PA

And Rapinoe, currently a free agent, believes he will have an important responsibility to make a difference in the coming years

"I hope he understands the impact he can have, and how this influence can prove to be formidable for himself," she added.

"He came into the world with an extraordinary gift which allows him to lead an extraordinary, very comfortable life. Perhaps he can ask himself how to establish a balance, how to inspire youth.

"I hope he understands that he can change the world, that it is not just an empty idea. Sometimes you decide for yourself to change the world, sometimes it falls on you. If you want to be the king, then be the best king you can be."

Rapinoe has been incredibly vocal on political and social issues and has been inspired by the work of Lebron James, Naomi Osaka and Lewis Hamilton - all top tier athletes in their field who have gone above and beyond in recent times.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Rapinoe stated: "Lewis Hamilton's willingness to speak out is incredible, not to mention LeBron James, as they are at the centre of colossal economic powers.

"Naomi Osaka, who at the US Open wore masks with the names of black people killed by US police like Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. In the middle of tennis the tennis world, which is so white!

"These athletes inspire me. There is like an invisible thread between us. We must not be shy."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, Megan Rapinoe, Cristiano Ronaldo

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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