India, Feb. 18 -- Logan Paul, a prominent YouTube personality who has transitioned into professional wrestling, has issued a challenge to football icon Lionel Messi, alleging that the latter has imitated his energy drink brand. As Messi approaches the twilight of his illustrious football career and embarks on an entrepreneurial path following his transfer to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, tensions have escalated.

Messi, the recipient of eight Ballon d'Or awards—the highest in football history—launched the Mas+ energy drink last year after relocating to the United States. In contrast, Paul has expressed dissatisfaction with Messi's entry into the market, accusing the Inter Miami captain of copying the concept of a hydration beverage. Paul and KSI co-own the brand 'Prime,' which has gained significant popularity among youth globally in recent years.

The situation has intensified, with Paul filing a lawsuit against Messi's energy drink brand to protect his company's trademark. In response, Messi's brand distributor initiated legal action against PRIME in October 2024, alleging anti-competitive behavior.

As Paul prepares for his upcoming match at WrestleMania, he reiterated his criticism of Messi, claiming that the countersuit filed by his company is unjust. 

"You all copied us, and it was evident. Your products are nearly identical to Prime, and then you took legal action against us, which is unfair. That is why we filed a countersuit; it was inevitable. If you cannot surpass the best, you must emulate the best, but that is illegal. We are defending our design," Paul remarked in a video.

He has extended a challenge to Messi for a match in the ring.

"I would genuinely consider dropping the lawsuit if a Logan Paul vs. Messi fight were to occur. See you in the ring, bro," Paul stated.

Meanwhile, Messi has indicated his ambition to participate in the 2026 World Cup, although Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has noted that it is premature to make any official declarations regarding this matter. Scaloni, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, has yet to provide further details.

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