An argument over whether Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s best footballer has led to a Nigerian man being charged with the murder of his friend.

Police in India confirmed the Nigerian national Michael Chukwuma, 21, stabbed his 34-year-old compatriot Obina Durumchukwu in a Mumbai suburb on Sunday following an argument.

“The two Nigerian youngsters were discussing football players. One is a fan of Messi and the other was for Ronaldo,” a police inspector said.

“During the conversation a quarrel has taken place. The deceased threw a glass into the face of the accused person. The glass broke and caused small injuries. After that the accused took the broken glass and assaulted the deceased person who died due to heavy bleeding.”

In January Messi won the Ballon d’Or for a record fifth time. Ronaldo has received the accolade on three occasions.