The MotoGP world was set ablaze with controversy following Marc Marquez’s dominant victory at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, where a post-race comment from Marquez’s girlfriend reignited one of the sport’s most heated rivalries. After Marquez crossed the finish line at the Red Bull Ring, securing his seventh win of the 2025 season, his girlfriend, Gemma Pinto, took to social media with a provocative post: “Who is the MotoGP GOAT, Rossi?” The jab, clearly aimed at MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, sent shockwaves through the paddock and sparked an immediate and fiery response from Rossi and his wife, Francesca Sofia Novello. The exchange has once again thrust the debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in MotoGP into the spotlight, with fans and pundits weighing in on the simmering tension between two of the sport’s biggest icons.

Marquez’s performance in Austria was nothing short of spectacular. Starting from pole position, the 32-year-old Spaniard led every lap, showcasing the blistering pace and precision that have made him a formidable force on the factory Ducati. His victory further solidified his lead in the 2025 championship, putting him 120 points ahead of his closest rival, Pecco Bagnaia, with only 10 races remaining. Marquez’s dominance this season, with seven Grand Prix wins and 10 Sprint race victories, has drawn comparisons to his peak years with Honda, where he clinched six premier class titles between 2013 and 2019. His move to Ducati in 2024, initially with the Gresini satellite team before earning a factory seat in 2025, has revitalized his career, and he now stands on the cusp of matching Rossi’s record of seven MotoGP world championships.

The post from Pinto, however, shifted attention from Marquez’s on-track triumph to the long-standing feud between him and Rossi. The rivalry, which began in 2013 when Marquez debuted in MotoGP, reached its peak during the controversial 2015 season. That year, Rossi accused Marquez of deliberately interfering in his championship battle with Jorge Lorenzo, culminating in the infamous Sepang clash where Rossi was penalized for causing Marquez to crash. The incident led to Rossi starting the season finale in Valencia from the back of the grid, costing him a shot at a tenth world title. The wounds from that season remain raw, with Rossi recently describing Marquez’s actions as “unforgivable” in a 2021 interview. Pinto’s comment, seen by many as a deliberate provocation, reignited these tensions, especially given Rossi’s revered status as a nine-time world champion and the sport’s most iconic figure.

Rossi, who retired from MotoGP in 2021 and now competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship while managing the VR46 Racing Team, did not stay silent. Taking to social media, he responded with a pointed message: “Records are meant to be broken, but respect is forever. Choose your words wisely.” His wife, Francesca Sofia Novello, was even more direct, posting, “Some people win races, but only one has made MotoGP a global phenomenon. Know your place.” The comments section of Pinto’s post exploded with reactions from fans, with some defending Marquez’s recent dominance and others rallying behind Rossi’s unmatched legacy. The debate over the GOAT title has never been more polarized, with Marquez’s 70 premier class wins closing in on Rossi’s record of 89, though Rossi’s nine world titles across all classes and his cultural impact remain unparalleled.

The fallout from the Austria incident has also drawn attention to the broader dynamics in MotoGP. Marquez’s resurgence with Ducati has been hailed as a masterclass in adaptability, with commentators like TNT Sports’ Suzi Perry describing him as “a genius on a motorcycle.” Yet, Rossi’s influence off the track, through his VR46 Academy and team, continues to shape the sport, with riders like Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi crediting him for their success. Giacomo Agostini, the only rider with more premier class titles than Rossi, recently suggested that Marquez’s “cunning” racing style mirrors Rossi’s, adding fuel to the GOAT debate.

As Marquez continues his quest for a ninth world title, the shadow of Rossi looms large. The Spaniard has remained diplomatic, stating in a DAZN interview that any reconciliation with Rossi “depends on both sides.” Meanwhile, the sport braces for more drama, with Pinto’s comment serving as a reminder that in MotoGP, rivalries extend beyond the track. Whether Marquez surpasses Rossi’s records or not, the question of who is the true GOAT will likely remain a topic of fierce debate among fans for years to come.