In his post-retirement world, Kobe Bryant has had plenty of time to muse over a myriad of interests and subjects. As a child growing up in Italy, Bryant has said in the past that soccer was always one of his favorite subjects and activities.

During his playing days, Bryant credited the sport with improving his abilities on the court, and even went so far to say that soccer, not basketball, was his favorite sport in an interview with FIFA in 2014. Kobe has even appeared in commercials for Nike soccer, with multiple cameos showing off his love and ability for the sport.

The former MVP has also dazzled in interviews when asked to speak Italian or even other languages. In an interview with Univision, Bryant answered questions in Spanish and even offered opinions on some of soccer's biggest stars.

When asked about FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi and the rivalry he has sustained with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, Bryant highlighted their attributes in praise.

“I like them both. If you like the tiki-taka (Barcelona's renowned pass-first) style, it's Messi. If you like a more direct, aggressive style, then Ronaldo,” he said. When pressed as to who he found better overall, Kobe was diplomatic. “It's hard to qualify who's better. They're very different.”

Bryant did, however, express admiration for Messi's club, FC Barcelona, saying that their style of play “is very fun to watch”. In the past, Kobe has attended games at the club's home stadium, the Camp Nou, and even turned down an offer from their basketball club to finish his career overseas.