Kobe Bryant dead: When Lakers legend praised Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

NBA legend Kobe Bryant passed away on Sunday night (Monday morning IST) in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, 48 km rth-west of Los Angeles.  41-year-old was travelling on his private chopper along with 8 or people when it went down and a fire broke out, killing Kobe and his daughter. Lakers legend was a huge football fan and admired Barcelona star Lionel Messi. He also lauded Cristia Ronaldo as one of best.

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Kobe Bryant dead: LA Lakers legend was a Lionel Messi fan

Just two weeks back, Kobe Bryant (while speaking to CNN) had commented on Major League Soccer (MLS). He stated that league had grown big in past few years. He was also quizzed about his love for LaLiga giants Barcelona and ir star Lionel Messi.

Kobe Bryant dead: NBA legend praised Lionel Messi and Cristia Ronaldo

Kobe had lauded Lionel Messi as one of best footballers of all time. He also praised  skills and intelligence that Argentine possesses. He stated that Messi was ‘head-and-shoulders’ above or contemporary football stars. Los Angeles legend did t shy away from praising Juventus star and Lionel Messi’s arch-rival Cristia Ronaldo.

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Kobe Bryant dead: Former Lakers star spoke about Barcelona's trouble recently

Kobe Bryant also spoke about recent troubles at FC Barcelona due to a string of poor performances. He had stated that Barcelona were going through a transition period, courtesy of recent sacking of manr Ernesto Valverde. However, he was confident of team’s resurgence.

Also Read | Kobe Bryant dead: NBA and Lakers legend killed in tragic California helicopter crash

Kobe Bryant dominated game for almost two decades with Los Angeles Lakers. He won five championships and featured in 18 All-Star Games. legend anunced his retirement following 2016 season. Kobe Bryant was also one of favourites to be inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame set to be anunced next month.

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