In the world of sport, debates about who deserves the title of “The greatest of all time” (Goat) are as old as the competition itself. In football, Lionel Messi has long been one of the favorites for that coveted title, with his dazzling skills and his full trophic career. But when it comes to MotoGP, the exciting world of motorcycling, the discussion becomes equally wrapped, and recently, has taken a personal turn. Francesca Sofia Novello, wife of the legendary pilot Valentino Rossi, has launched himself with courage to the controversy, stating that if Messi Queen Supreme in football, her husband is the undisputed King of MotoGP. His statement, pronounced with an unwavering conviction, comes in the midst of the persistent tensions between Rossi and his eternal rival, Marc Márquez, a rivalry that has fed endless debates among fans. Márquez, who does not remain silent, quickly counterattacked with a subtle but forceful response on social networks, reviving the spark of his historic competition.

Francesca’s statement did not arise from nothing. Valentino Rossi, the Italian icon known as “The Doctor”, is an outstanding figure in the history of MotoGP. With nine world championships in various categories, including seven in the queen category, Rossi’s legacy is recorded in the annals of this sport. His talent on the track, combined with a contagious charisma outside it, made him a world superstar, attracting millions of motorcycle fans during his greatest boom. Even after retreating from professional careers in 2021, its influence is still undeniable, and its VR46 racing team and its academy continue to mold the future of sport. For Francesca, model and couple of Rossi since 2016, her husband’s greatness is not only a matter of statistics, but personal. “Valentino is MotoGP’s heart and soul,” he said in a recent interview. If people agree that Messi is the best of football, there is no doubt that Valentino is MotoGP. His passion, his victories, their impact … are unmatched.

However, his comments stirred the waters in a way that he might not have planned. Marc Márquez enters, the Spanish prodigy whose own claim of greatness in MotoGP is formidable. With eight world titles, including six in the queen category, Márquez has been acclaimed as a generational talent since he broke into the scene in 2013. His aggressive piloting style and his tireless search for victory have earned him both admiration and criticism, especially the faithful hobby of Rossi. The rivalry between them reached its peak in 2015, during a controversial season that saw clashes on and off the track, culminating in the infamous Incident of Sepang. Rossi accused Márquez of sabotaging his hopes of championship, while Márquez maintained his innocence. The consequences fractured their relationship irreparably, and even years later, the mere mention of one in the context of the other is sufficient to unleash hot debates.

Francesca’s statement that Rossi is the only best MotoGP predictably attracted Márquez’s attention. A few hours after his interview became viral, the Spanish turned to Instagram with a calculated answer: a photo of his raising one of his champion trophies, with the simple title: “The numbers do not lie.” The image, without any direct mention to Rossi or his wife, said a lot. The Márquez record, achieved in less years than Rossi’s, offers a convincing counter -argument. At 32, he is still an active competitor, wanting to continue growing, while Rossi, now 46, has changed his focus on the mentoring and property of the team. For Márquez’s followers, the publication was a moment of surprise, a reminder that the debate about who is the best of all time is not as resolved as Francesca could believe.

The exchange has unleashed the fury in the MotoGP community. Social networks, in particular the X, have become battlefields for fans of both pilots. Rossi’s admirers highlight their longevity, their ability to win at different times and their role in the popularization of sport worldwide. “Valentino not only competed, but left a legacy,” wrote a fan. “Márquez is great, but relies on Rossi’s shoulders.” Meanwhile, those who support Márquez argue that their percentage of victories and their adaptability to modern motorcycles give it advantage. “Marc’s domain in the 2010 was incredible,” said another user. “Rossi is a legend, but statistics no longer favor him.”

For Francesca, however, the debate transcends the figures. His defense of Rossi is based on love and admiration, a tribute to the man he married in 2022 and with whom he has a daughter. “It’s my hero,” he said, subtracting importance from Márquez’s response. “No photo changes what Valentino means for MotoGP.” However, when this last chapter is dissipated, one thing is clear: the rival Rossi-Márquez, even years after his last duel on track, remains as alive as ever, proof that in the world of MotoGP, the debate about the best of all time is far from finishing.