Latest news with #Ballond'Ors
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lionel Messi Highly Praises Cristiano Ronaldo As He Talks on Rivalry
Lionel Messi was interviewed by Ballon d'Or France Football about his time competing with Cristiano Ronaldo. The two have been competing for the Ballon d'Or award for years, and the Argentine star recognized the sporting battle he had with the Portuguese star. Lionel Messi: "It was spectacular and a great memory for everyone who enjoys soccer." Messi mentioned his competitiveness, which drove him to win Ballon d'Ors, the same characteristic as Ronaldo. He recognizes that the two have been at the top for more than ten years, which he acknowledges is not easy to do. What some fans enjoyed seeing was the humility of Messi brushing off the comment of 'winning the battle' against Ronaldo, in terms of Ballon d'Or wins. Advertisement This is similar to what Ronaldo said about Messi in the 2019 Champions League Draw. Messi and Ronaldo were sitting next to each other, and when discussing the 'battle' between the two, the Portuguese striker mentioned the longevity of the two at the top. How Many Times Have Messi and Ronaldo Faced Off? Messi and Ronaldo played 37 games against each other throughout their careers. Messi won 17 games against Ronaldo. Ronaldo beat Messi 11 times, and the two drew nine games against each other. They faced off three times when Messi was at FC Barcelona and Ronaldo was at Manchester United. Ronaldo then joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2009. That began an era of memorable 'El Clásico' matches that would define league titles and Ballon d'Ors. Advertisement The two played each other in 30 'El Clásico' matches. The last Barcelona vs Madrid match with Messi and Ronaldo playing was in 2018, where the match ended 2-2 at the Camp Nou. The Last Time Messi and Ronaldo faced off The last time Messi played against Ronaldo in Europe, it was a match between FC Barcelona and Juventus in the 2020-21 Champions League group stage. Juventus won 3-0 at the Camp Nou, with Ronaldo scoring a brace. Messi and Ronaldo met again in 2023, when the Argentine played for PSG and went to Saudi Arabia to play the Riyadh All Stars. Ronaldo had just recently joined Al Nassr, and this friendly match marked his first game in part of the Saudi Arabian league. Advertisement The French champions won 5-4, but the game is remembered as potentially the last time Messi and Ronaldo played against each other on the same pitch. Last year, in another friendly match, Messi's Inter Miami took on Ronaldo's Al Nassr. Ronaldo did not play in the game due to injury, and Messi started on the bench. Al Nassr got the better of Inter Miami as they won 6-0 at the Kingdom Arena. Messi came on in the 83rd minute.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Lamine Yamal set to land Messi's No10 shirt after signing generational new Barcelona deal with €1billion release clause
Yamal's record so far is demolishing what Yamal's record so far is demolishing what Messi had achieved before adulthood PASS THE TORCH Lamine Yamal set to land Messi's No10 shirt after signing generational new Barcelona deal with €1billion release clause Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LAMINE YAMAL will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi's iconic No 10 shirt at Barcelona after signing a generational deal this summer. The 17-year-old has emerged as a Ballon d'Or front-runner and is widely viewed as the game's biggest talent since Messi burst onto the scene almost 20 years ago. 4 Lamine Yamal will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi's iconic No 10 shirt when he signs a new deal this summer 4 Messi famously wore the No 10 jersey for the majority of his iconic Barcelona career 4 Messi wore the No 10 for 13 years, winning seven of his eight Ballon d'Ors in that time Yamal was considered the heir to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi when he came the youngest player to start a Euros final with Spain. And Yamal, who has already provided 25 goals and 34 assists in 105 appearances for Barca, will celebrate his 18th birthday in July by signing a new long-term contract. According to the Catalan club will include a €1billion (£841million) release clause in the once in a lifetime deal. Yamal, who still wears braces, will also be handed the iconic No 10 shirt, which is worn by Ansu Fati at the moment. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL TRIPLE THREAT Man Utd fans celebrate as 3 stars return from injury just hours before final Fati was termed as the original heir to Messi, but injuries and a lack of form has left him facing an exit this summer. Yamal currently holds the No. 19 jersey, which was also the number worn by fellow former La Masia product Messi before he switched in 2008. The changeover will mark another historic moment in Yamal's young career, after he made his Barca debut two years ago when he was only 15. Since then, he has won LaLiga twice and provided 43 goal contributions in 54 games for Barca's domestic treble this season. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The stats show Yamal's trajectory since his debut aged 15 years and 290 days is rising faster than that of either Messi or the other superstar of his generation, Cristiano Ronaldo. By 17, Messi had scored once in nine senior games for Barca, while Ronaldo had netted five goals in 19 games for Sporting. 'Absolute cinema' - Kate Abdo dubbed 'real talent' after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interview Yamal also has four goals in his 19 appearances for Spain. Neither Messi or Ronaldo made their international debut until they turned 18. It took Messi, who made his debut at 16, until shortly before his 21st birthday to hit the 100-game mark in Barcelona colours, scoring 41 goals in the process. Before bagging an incredible screamer in Barca's 3-3 Champions League draw on his 100th appearance, Yamal said: "I don't compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi. "So I don't think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I'm going to enjoy myself and be myself." Remarkably, there are pictures of baby Yamal being held by a 20-year-old Messi during a photoshoot for Barcelona and Unicef in 2007. Seven years later, that baby was training with the club. By the age of 12, Spanish publication Marca was already comparing him to Messi. The Argentine icon finished his Barcelona career in 2021 with a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances, plus 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League triumphs to his name.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Lamine Yamal set to land Messi's No10 shirt after signing generational new Barcelona deal with €1billion release clause
LAMINE YAMAL will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi's iconic No 10 shirt at Barcelona after signing a generational deal this summer. The Ballon d'Or front-runner and is widely viewed as the game's biggest talent since Messi burst onto the scene almost 20 years ago. 4 Lamine Yamal will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi's iconic No 10 shirt when he signs a new deal this summer 4 Messi famously wore the No 10 jersey for the majority of his iconic Barcelona career 4 Messi wore the No 10 for 13 years, winning seven of his eight Ballon d'Ors in that time Yamal was considered the heir to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi when he came the youngest player to start a Euros final with Spain . And who has already provided 25 goals and 34 assists in 105 appearances for Barca, will celebrate his 18th birthday in July by signing a new long-term contract. According to , the Catalan club will include a €1billion (£841million) release clause in the once in a lifetime deal. Yamal, who still wears braces, will also be handed the iconic No 10 shirt, which is worn by READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Fati was termed as the original heir to Messi, but injuries and a lack of form has left him facing an exit this summer . Yamal currently holds the No. 19 jersey , which was also the number worn by fellow former La Masia product Messi before he switched in 2008. The changeover will mark another historic moment in Yamal's young career, after he made his Barca debut two years ago when he was only 15. Since then, he has won LaLiga twice and provided 43 goal contributions in 54 games for Barca's domestic treble this season. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The stats show Yamal's trajectory since his debut aged 15 years and 290 days is rising faster than that of either Messi or the other superstar of his generation, By 17, Messi had scored once in nine senior games for Barca, while 'Absolute cinema' - Kate Abdo dubbed 'real talent' after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interview Yamal also has four goals in his 19 appearances for Spain . Neither Messi or Ronaldo made their international debut until they turned 18. It took Messi, who made his debut at 16, until shortly before his 21st birthday to hit the 100-game mark in Barcelona colours, scoring 41 goals in the process. Before bagging an incredible screamer in Barca's 3-3 Champions League draw on his 100th appearance, Yamal said: "I don't compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi. "So I don't think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I'm going to enjoy myself and be myself." Remarkably, there are pictures of Unicef in 2007. Seven years later, that baby was training with the club. By the age of 12, Spanish publication Marca was already comparing him to Messi. The Argentine icon finished his 4 Messi held baby Lamine Yamal for Unicef in 2007
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Lionel Messi name-dropped six stars including Cristiano Ronaldo as best in world
Lionel Messi has been widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, but the Argentine has also been gracious in handing out praise to team-mates and rivals alike Lionel Messi has picked out six footballers who he deems to be world-class. Despite his own status as arguably the greatest player in football history, the Argentine star has always been gracious in acknowledging the skills and talents of both former team-mates and competitors. With a trophy cabinet boasting 12 league titles, 17 domestic cups, four Champions Leagues, eight Ballon d'Ors, and a World Cup, it's no secret that the Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami legend is set to be remembered as one of the finest players to ever step onto the pitch. Yet, even at 37, Messi remains modest when reflecting on the abilities of those around him. So, who are the six players that Messi has lauded over the years? Cristiano Ronaldo One of the few players who could feasibly contest Messi's GOAT (Greatest of All Time) title, Cristiano Ronaldo has regularly received praise from his long-time rival. The pair faced off in numerous El Clasico clashes during Messi's tenure at Barcelona and Ronaldo's time with Real Madrid. And with an equally impressive array of trophies to his name, it's easy to see why some might favour CR7 in the debate over who is the superior player. However, instead of focusing on the differences, Messi has increasingly expressed admiration for the Al-Nassr star, who continues to shine in the Saudi Pro League at 40 years old. Messi once said of him: "Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraordinary player and it would be brilliant to be in the same team as him. I do not know if that will happen one day, but I would like it to as he is spectacular." Luis Suarez As Luis Suarez spent six years alongside Messi as part of the famous MSN attacking trio with Neymar Jr, it's easy to see why the Argentinian has endlessly sung the striker's praises. When Suarez announced his retirement from international football in September with his nation of Uruguay, Messi took to Instagram to write: "You're unique, Luis Suárez, both on and off the field. I care about you a lot." During his stint with Barcelona, Suarez scored 195 goals in 283 appearances, lifting four La Liga trophies, six domestic cups, and a Champions League. And with the two already clinching a Supporters Shield with one another at Inter Miami, the chemistry between the two is undeniable. As Xavi had already been a key figure at Barcelona for six years when Messi emerged from the club's youth system in Catalonia, it's no surprise that Lionel has always looked up to the Spanish legend throughout his career. Previously speaking on the midfielder, Messi said: "Xavi, it's difficult to describe him as a player – everybody in the world knows what he can do on the field. "He's a player who dictates the rhythm of the game, he can put the ball where he wants, he reads the game excellently. It's been a pleasure to play alongside him for so long and to be able to enjoy his football – not just in games but in training sessions as well. "He is the best player in the history of Spanish football – I think that says everything." Given the array of talent Lionel Messi has encountered throughout his illustrious career, his views on Xavi are not to be taken lightly. The duo shared 11 years of success at Barcelona, collecting a plethora of trophies before Xavi moved on to Al Sadd for the twilight of his playing days. Sergio Ramos Sergio Ramos, much like Ronaldo, spent many years going toe-to-toe with Messi in the fiery El Clasico derbies representing Real Madrid. Renowned for his tough-tackling style, Ramos was a fixture in the Madrid defence for 16 years from 2005 to 2021, and Messi has openly admitted that Ramos was often the opponent he'd clash with most on the field. Discussing their on-pitch confrontations, Messi said: "We fought a lot with Sergio Ramos. We later became teammates, but [before] in the Clásicos, we always grabbed each other. The Clásicos were intense." Eventually, the two football giants set aside their rivalry and joined forces at PSG from 2021 to 2023, where they added two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophee des Champions to their already impressive hauls. The mutual admiration is apparent, with Ramos having lauded Messi as "the best player football ever produced". Kylian Mbappe Messi formed a strong bond with Kylian Mbappe during their stint together at PSG, despite it lasting only two years. In a chat with TUDN, Messi said of the Frenchman: "Kylian is a different player. "He's a beast, he's very strong one-on-one, he finds space and he's very quick. He can score a lot of goals, he's a very complete player and he's been showing that for years. In the next few years he'll be among the very best, no doubt about it." Although Messi might have hoped to see the 26-year-old at Barcelona after his PSG tenure, Mbappe chose to join Real Madrid, where he has excelled in 2024/25 Karim Benzema Messi also had to contend with Karim Benzema during his time at Barcelona, a formidable striker who netted a whopping 354 goals for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2023. Despite never being teammates, Messi hasn't held back his admiration for Benzema. Speaking on Benzema winning the Ballon d'Or in 2022, Messi said: "I think Benzema was a fair winner. He deserves it for the great year he had and what he has been doing throughout his career. "He is a wonderful player and I think it is important for him and for soccer that he has this recognition." Benzema bid farewell to Los Blancos in 2023 to join the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, boasting four La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues as testament to his successful tenure.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
‘I saw how crazy Cristiano Ronaldo was – his nine-word claim summed him up'
Cristiano Ronaldo has gone on to win five Ballon d'Ors in his career, but he predicted his first accolade in 2008 during a pre-season chat with a stunned Manchester United team-mate Owen Hargreaves revealed the astonishing moment Cristiano Ronaldo declared he was "going to win the Ballon d'Or this year", in a statement that marked the beginning of the Portuguese star's dominance in football. Hargreaves had the opportunity to play alongside the up-and-coming winger for two years at Manchester United, winning the Premier League and Champions League titles in his first season. After joining the club in 2007, Hargreaves spent time in the gym during pre-season, where he got to know a young Ronaldo. In an interview on the High Performance podcast with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, Hargreaves shared his initial impressions of him and the remarkable statement Ronaldo made at just 22 years old. The 44-year-old said: "I remember Cristiano about where you are on the mat (points at Humphrey), and he wasn't Cristiano, that Cristiano yet. And he was doing these crazy sit-ups with this medicine ball, coming up and then throwing it. "I was watching him and then he said, 'I'm going to win the Ballon d'Or this year.' And he did at the end of the season – but this was pre-season in the gym, nobody could see [it]." Hargreaves was genuinely surprised by the young winger's mindset at a time when Ronaldo had yet to reach his prime in the sport. The future five-time Champions League winner's dedicated approach would be an early indication of how he would conduct his illustrious career. And Ronaldo's ambitions were spot on. His remarkable successes, including the nail-biting penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea in the Champions League final and edging the same rivals for the Premier League crown, led to him clinching his inaugural Ballon d'Or in 2008, beating eventual rival Lionel Messi and Liverpool star Fernando Torres to the award. Hargreaves went on to praise Ronaldo's commitment and work ethic, which had been a part of his ethos since his early days. He highlighted the environment at United that propelled the squad to unprecedented levels of success. He said: "Everyone looks at him finished now and how he looks and how he plays and the goals he's scoring, but again you're doing that every day. Take a guy thats 6'1 with that talent, that work ethic, and you're going to create gold. "And so when I saw him putting the work in, I always thought I was a good pro. Like before bed I used to do push-ups and sit-ups and stretch for an hour, and I just thought that kind of helped me a little, but I didn't do much else. "And then I met Mike [Phelan] and we were in the gym a lot, which I loved, but then I saw Cristiano. So you put the work in, then you add another layer so then you start to do more, and I just think culture is such a powerful thing. And we just had an amazing culture of everybody was talented, but everybody wants to get better." Since leaving United back in 2009, Ronaldo has won four more Ballons d'Or, four more Champions League crowns and a collection of other trophies, including two La Liga titles, two Serie A wins, and the European Championship with Portugal in 2016. To this day, the 40-year-old is still playing professional football with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, and is still aiming for success at the 2026 World Cup. Hargreaves had a rockier ride at Old Trafford due to injuries that ultimately saw him part ways with the club after the 2010/11 season. Post-United, Hargreaves joined neighbours Manchester City, where they won their first Premier League title with an unforgettable victory on the final day thanks to Sergio Aguero's last-minute winner against Queens Park Rangers. Despite the glories of that iconic win, Hargreaves' limited playtime meant he missed out on getting his hands on a winners' medal. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
