FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi Most Popular Among Indian Women, Says Survey

Argentina's soccer star Lionel Messi has been voted as the most desirable FIFA player by Indian women in a survey.

© AFP

Asked about the most attractive football player in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2014, 59.6 per cent single women voted for Messi in a Shaadi.com survey.

Youth heart throb Cristiano Ronaldo, who captains both the Portugal national team and Real Madrid, came a close second with 53.4 per cent, while 51.5 per cent women went for Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.

The survey also revealed that Brazilian midfielder Ricardo Kaka is considered as the 'Most Handsome Football Player' by 49.3 per cent single women, followed by his forward team-mate Neymar Jr and Spanish player Fernando Torres.

Apart from FIFA 2014 players, asked about the 'Most Admired Married Footballer', 48.2 per cent single women voted for former England player David Beckham.

Another 31.3 per cent single women voted for Maldini, followed by Zidane.

David Beckham and his wife Victoria were voted as the 'Most Admired Celebrity Couple' by 48.2 per cent single women, followed by Gerard Pique and Shakira (28.3) and Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shayk (23.5).

Over 4000 Indian women were surveyed to understand their sports preferences.

Interestingly, IPL has scored over FIFA as around 54.4 per cent married women said they prefer watching IPL with the family while only 39.5 per cent married women voted for watching FIFA.

"The survey highlights the choices of the modern Indian woman. It suggests that her choice of sports-viewing varies, depending on marital status and company," Gourav Rakshit, COO of Shaadi.com said.