Messi has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, the most of any player.

Messi has 10 La Liga titles with Barcelona.

Messi has 4 Champions League titles with Barcelona.

Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Messi won one Copa America title in 2021.

Messi scored 7 goals in the 2022 World Cup.

Messi has 13 World Cup goals in total.

Messi has 672 goals for Barcelona, the club's all-time top scorer.

Messi has 765 goals across all clubs, surpassing many contemporaries.

Messi has 826 goals and 363 assists in 1052 games.

Messi has 6 Golden Boot titles, more than Ronaldo.

Messi's dribbling rating 9.5 beats Mbappé's 8.5.

Messi's passing rating 9 outperforms Mbappé's 8.

Messi's leadership rating 10 exceeds Mbappé's 9.

Messi's overall score 57.5 is higher than Mbappé's 55.5.

Messi's influence inspires future generations and shapes modern attacking play.

Messi's consistency outpaces contemporaries, maintaining top performance over 16 years.

Messi's low center of gravity enables rapid direction changes.

Messi's creativity and artistry define his playing style.

Messi's goal-per-game ratio in La Liga rivals Ronaldo's.

Messi has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, the most of any player.

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Content: Messi is like a tyrant in training and he wants to be the best at everything.
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Koeman said Messi was like a "tyrant" when he trained at Barcelona.
Koeman said: "Messi covered everything.
He was great, he won everything.
Of course, he has a lot of good players around him, but he changes everything.
Because of him, everyone seems to be getting better.
This is not criticism, but observation. "
“I know how good he is, but it ’ s nice to see him up close every day.
Everything you want to teach footballers, to recognise situations, to control the ball under pressure, the speed of the ball, to shoot; with Messi, everything is 10 points.
It's not normal, it's not normal! '
"When we have finishing practice in training, sometimes the players start to relax and get a little messy.
But with Messi, everything is extremely serious, never pretentious, everything is normal.
He always wants to win everything, "he said.
“We ’ re going to do the rounds before training.
If the ball turns 20 laps, then the middle player has to do an extra round.
If this happens three times in a row, the players will line up in two rows, the two people in the middle will walk over and get knocked on their heads and so on. "
"I asked Maisie if that had happened to him.
He said yes, once.
Under his leadership, the old players have never lost in games with young people.
This happened once, and Messi was angry about it for a week.
Really, a tyrant. ”
Koeman admitted that after Messi left the team, some players encountered difficulties in training, such as Barcelona's new No. 10 Fati, did not have the same training intensity.
Koeman said: "When I first became Barcelona coach, I talked to Messi at his home.
What shocked me most was his commitment to football and his interest in it, "he said.
"It was tough at first, and he later apologized for it.
Messi has to know that everything he does is promising, but he's starting to get more and more enthusiastic.
“Macy ’ s performance was perfect.
We do passing and kicking exercises sometimes now and you have to get the ball around the post and shoot it into the small goal.
One day I saw Fati miss a lot because he wasn ’ t paying attention.
But if Messi was still there, he wouldn't have done it.
"Apart from Cruyff, I have never met anyone else who has a player like Messi.
My assistant would sometimes explain these exercises in English, and Messi didn't speak very well.
But a few seconds later he understood, "he said.
"He scored 50 goals last year, 30 goals and 20 assists.
He is a role model for the players.
When we won the Copa del Rey, Messi has won so many trophies that are more important than that, but you can see that the Copa del Rey has really excited him this time.
With these young players, he sees the future of the club.
Those people want to take pictures with him. I've never seen anything like it.
"That's how important he is to Barcelona, he's not here right now and it's a big shock for all," said the Frenchman.

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Content: Highlights

  • The 2010s showcased legendary talent like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, shaping football history for decades to come.
  • 10 of the best players from this era have been ranked based on factors such as skill, impact, and honours earned.
  • Manuel Neuer, Sergio Ramos and Neymar are among the players who shaped a golden decade of football.

The 2010s were an era blessed with unbelievable footballing talent, with many labelling some of the players throughout this era as some of the best to ever play the game. From the greatness of Lionel Messi to the innovation of Manuel Neuer, those 10 years truly had it all.

Picking out the 10 best players to have featured in this period is extremely difficult as there are so many players who are easily ‘world-class’ quality, but a few stand out above the rest. The below list includes the very best that the 2010-2020 decade had to offer in world football. To come to the conclusion of where each football ranks among their peers, the following ranking factors have been considered.

Ranking Factors

  • The ability of each player
  • Impact during the 2010-2020 decade
  • Individual and team honours won throughout the 10 years

10 Greatest Footballers of the 2010s [Ranked]

Rank

Player

Club(s)

1.

Lionel Messi

Barcelona

2.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid, Juventus

3.

Andres Iniesta

Barcelona, Vissel Kobe

4.

Luka Modric

Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid

5.

Xavi

Barcelona, Al Sadd

6.

Luis Suarez

Liverpool, Barcelona

7.

Gareth Bale

Tottenham, Real Madrid

8.

Neymar Jr

Santos, Barcelona, PSG

9.

Sergio Ramos

Real Madrid

10.

Manuel Neuer

Schalke, Bayern Munich

10 Manuel Neuer

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Bayern Munich

It is rare on a ‘top-ten’ list that you see a goalkeeper due to outfield players typically getting all the praise. However, Manuel Neuer revolutionised the position. With over 500 games for Bayern Munich and 100 for Germany, he has had a legendary career in Germany spanning across 20 years.

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50 Best Goalkeepers of All Time Ranked From ‘Safe Hands’ to ‘Greatest Ever’
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Despite being 39 years old, Neuer is still one of the best players in the world, which proves exactly why he is one of the best players of this era. The German shot-stopper won practically everything any player could ever want, including the World Cup in 2014. Neuer is more than deserving of a spot on this list.

Manuel Neuer 2010s Stats

Team

Appearances

Clean Sheets

Bayern Munich

440

216

9 Sergio Ramos

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Real Madrid

Another player who suffers in the same situation as Neuer in terms of being underappreciated is Sergio Ramos. The Spaniard is not only one of the best defenders of the 2010s era but in football history.

Featuring in the UEFA Team of the Year nine times and winning multiple domestic titles in both Spain and France, Ramos possesses an honours list longer than most players could ever dream of. He is no doubt an icon of the game, being an inspiration to so many defenders throughout their careers. The fact he is only ninth on this list shows exactly how good this era of footballers was.

Sergio Ramos' 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Real Madrid

393

69

24

8 Neymar Jr

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Santos, Barcelona, PSG

This list can seem extremely harsh as Neymar is often considered one of the best players of this century, let alone the 2010s decade. However, the sheer talent of his peers finds him at eighth. The Brazilian was part of arguably the greatest strike force of all time at Barcelona during this era, dominating football across Spain and Europe during that time.

3:23
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Ronaldo, Pele, Ronaldinho, Neymar and Kaka all feature as 18 the greatest Brazilian players ever are ranked.

He is also the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil, surpassing the legendary Pele in 2022. Moving to PSG saw even more success for Neymar, winning the Ligue 1 title almost every season he was at the club. All his success saw him establish himself as one of the best in the 2010s.

Neymar Jr's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Santos

90

56

26

Barcelona

186

105

76

PSG

85

70

41

7 Gareth Bale

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Tottenham, Real Madrid

Potentially one of the most underrated players of the 2010s, Gareth Bale burst onto the scene in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur and secured his big move to Real Madrid in 2013, where he spent most of his career. Five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles later, Bale had nothing short of a stellar career in Spain.

Although some love was lost in Madrid by the end of his career, he guided his national side, Wales, to two European Championships and a World Cup, which helped cement his legacy as a footballing legend.

Gareth Bale's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Tottenham Hotspur

161

66

29

Real Madrid

251

105

56

6 Luis Suarez

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Liverpool, Barcelona

One of the best strikers to ever step onto a football pitch, Luis Suarez earned his legacy thanks to a superb career at Barcelona, earning the title of ‘world’s best’ from many former players and managers.

Related
15 Greatest Barcelona Players of All Time [Ranked]
Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona and Ronaldo Nazario all feature among Barcelona's greatest ever players.

With 147 goals in 191 matches for the Spanish side, his goalscoring talent is likened to some of the best strikers of all time, like Ronaldo Nazario. Him winning the Golden Boot in the Eredivisie, Premier League, and La Liga are just small details that back up these comparisons. As far as natural strikers in the 2010s, he tops this list comfortably. However, he falls short of the top positions on the overall list.

Luis Suarez' 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Liverpool

133

82

29

Barcelona

283

198

96

5 Xavi

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Barcelona, Al Sadd

If this was a list of the best players throughout the 2000s, Xavi could be higher than some of the players above him here. However, his departure from Barcelona in 2015 means that he falls down this ranking slightly.

The fact he still finds himself in the top five while only playing half of the decade shows exactly how good he was. He played 521 times for Barcelona whilst establishing himself as one of the best midfielders ever.

His career performance earned him a place in the Ballon d’Or Dream XI, an all-time football team comprised of the best players ever. A multiple-time La Liga winner and a World Cup Champion, he deservedly earns a spot on this list.

Xavi's 2010s stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Barcelona

241

42

58

Al-Sadd

101

24

31

4 Luka Modric

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid

In an era full of some of the best footballers we have ever seen, Luka Modric stood out as one of the best that football had to offer. After earning a move from Tottenham to Real Madrid similar to Bale, the midfielder has been a serial winner almost every season he has played for Los Blancos.

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10 Greatest Croatian Players in Football History [Ranked]
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His 25 major trophies in Madrid, including five Champions Leagues, show exactly how good the Croatian is. He also gained the individual praise he deserved from the football world in 2018, as he was awarded the Ballon d'Or award for his tremendous efforts that year. Modric is a generational talent who has become a legend for his club and country.

Luka Modric's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Tottenham

84

9

9

Real Madrid

343

22

48

3 Andres Iniesta

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Barcelona, Vissel Kobe

Xavi’s Spanish midfield partner during the golden era of Barcelona, Andres Iniesta, just pipped his ex-teammate to the higher position on this list due to his longevity during the 2010s. Iniesta enjoyed a very similar career to his La Masia counterpart, including scoring one of the most famous goals ever in the 2010 World Cup final to win the tournament for Spain.

His 442 appearances for Barcelona have also seen him win many honours throughout the 2010s. The ‘best of the rest’ in this scenario, Iniesta finishes in a very respectful third place on this list of amazing talent.

Andres Iniesta's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Barcelona

363

33

69

Vissel Kobe

75

16

19

2 Cristiano Ronaldo

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Real Madrid, Juventus

Now onto the two best we have ever seen in football. Despite many debates as to who is first and second on this list, Cristiano Ronaldo just falls to second. Five Ballon d’Or awards, five Champions Leagues, seven domestic titles, and a European Championship. What more can be said about the Portuguese phenomenon? With 765 goals in 1020 appearances, he is simply one of the greatest players to grace the sport.

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Ronaldo broke yet another record for Al-Nassr becoming the highest Saudi Pro League goalscorer in a single season

His incredible work ethic alongside his natural talent has seen him become a true icon of the game and if it wasn’t for arguably the best player of all time, he would certainly be number one on this list.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Real Madrid

403

417

109

Juventus

133

101

20

1 Lionel Messi

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Barcelona

One of - if not - the greatest of all time. The 2010s provided a player that people in years to come will be devastated they never got to see play in his prime. Lionel Messi could be listed as the most technically gifted footballer ever.

Earning his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023, Messi’s honours list is quite simply astonishing. He has won everything possible in his career including, 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina. A player who will leave a legacy in this sport for the rest of time, Messi will go down as the best player ever in the 2010s era.

Lionel Messi's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Barcelona

517

507

234

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Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt (Accurate as of 31/05/24)

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Content: For the last 15 years, two names have dominated the world of football.

They are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

With 76 major trophies between them, their eternal rivalry has been the subject of debate among fans throughout that period.

When Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid, they were the sport’s focal point for near on a decade.

Despite their La Liga days now being in the rear view mirror, the debate still continues, with each player’s fanbase claiming their man is superior to the other.

Nonetheless, it is still subjective. There is no wrong or right answer, and the matter will seemingly always split opinion.

However, a clip has now emerged and begun to do the rounds on social media, claiming that one is living the other's dream.

Let’s just say it’s not good news for fans of the Portuguese superstar.

You can watch the clip in full below…

Watch: Video shows how Lionel Messi has ‘lived Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream’

Twitter user and Barcelona fan @Xabhi_FCB posted a two-and-a-half-minute video on the platform of Messi constantly outperforming Ronaldo.

“Messi owning Ronaldo in every single thing he ever cared about in football is not talked about enough…” was the caption to accompany the footage.

The clip has a ‘whatever you can do, I can do better’ feel to it with the Argentine hero consistently achieving the feat his Portuguese counterpart sets out to do.

In the video, Ronaldo claims that the rivalry is just beginning when they are joint level on Ballon d’Or wins with five each.

The former Manchester United ace tells Piers Morgan he’d most like to end up with the most Ballon d’Or, and that this is a record he deserves.

Unfortunately for him, the next shot on the footage sees Messi holding his record seventh Ballon d'Or. In contrast, Ronaldo looks certain to end his career with only five wins to his name.

Another trophy where Messi has the edge over his rival is in respect of the Golden Boot, where he has racked up six wins to Ronaldo’s four.

The footage includes a clip of Ronaldo claiming that Ballon d’Or wins are based on external votes, whereas the Golden Boot is purely statistics-based. Ultimately, though, he failed to best the Barcelona legend in either category.

So keen was Ronaldo to get ahead of Messi in terms of individual accolades that he is even shown claiming that he would trade his Champions League and La Liga medals for a Golden Boot trophy.

The next two trophies Ronaldo mentions are the Copa America and the World Cup, but obviously, he was never eligible able to win the former.

He did once, though, take a cheap shot at Messi for not winning the Copa America on home soil in 2011, suggesting that Argentina's failure should damage his rival's legacy.

However, Messi responded in perfect fashion 11 years later by guiding his country to victory at the 2022 World Cup, arguably cementing his place as the greatest of all time in the process.

On the other hand, Ronaldo does not have a World Cup in his trophy-ladened cabinet.

Although the two share a healthy respect for each other, the Al-Nassr man – at times – believed he was the superior player.

This above video, however, suggests otherwise.

Read on for the best fan reaction to the video...

What does a data expert have to say about the debate?

While statistics should be used with caution, Liverpool’s outgoing director of research Dr. Ian Graham has weighed in on the debate.

Graham uses sophisticated models to evaluate their broader contribution to their team’s success and, therefore, individual success does not factor in.

The University of Cambridge PhD graduate has been heavily involved in the football data revolution, and recently claimed that Messi is the clearly superior footballer.

“It’s Messi. The difference is that Messi is also a world-class attacking midfielder,” he said, per The Guardian.

“The chances he creates for his teammates are an order of magnitude greater than Ronaldo. Messi does two jobs brilliantly. Ronaldo does one job brilliantly. That’s the difference.”

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Content: Are Roger Federer and Lionel Messi Similar? Rafael Nadal Ridicules Comparisons

Atharva Upasani
|Published September 18, 2023

In an old interview via the Rafael Nadal Fans page on YouTube, tennis great Rafael Nadal was asked about the comparisons between his rival, Roger Federer and soccer superstar, Lionel Messi. Nadal rubbished them categorically with an answer which sounds good objectively, but polarised opinion in the sports world. It also must have perhaps come from a place of Rafael Nadal preferring Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi.

The comparisons have gained significance again recently after Federer took to TIME Magazine to pen a heartfelt tribute to Leo Messi. Federer’s words, laden with praise, resonated with sports enthusiasts across the globe. In his tribute, Federer highlighted the profound impact Messi has had on soccer given the huge burden of expectations on his shoulder each time he enters the pitch.

Rafael Nadal on not believing in Federer-Messi comparisons

Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo have often been considered similar in the sense of their relentlessness and ability to dig deep in adversity even if it means not looking great while doing it. Their graft and hard work is evident and visible. On the other hand, Roger Federer and Lionel Messi are often compared for their elegance and effortless ease, making their sports look way more easier to play than they actually are.

But Rafael Nadal was quick to brush off any such suggestions in an interview with Marca. He was quoted as saying –

“There is no comparison possible. They are two completely different sports and the characteristics of Messi are not those of Federer nor those of Cristiano are mine.

In fact, this year, Rafael Nadal had reiterated that he still prefers Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi. His views angered Lionel Messi fans, who in turn called Roger Federer better than him.

Roger Federer pays touching tribute to Lionel Messi

In his touching tribute to the Argentine soccer superstar, Roger Federer, who knows a thing or two about winning, acknowledged his longevity and consistency. Messi has been dominating world soccer for well over 15 years now and has multiple Ballon D’or trophies to show for it. Federer hailed Messi’s ability to carry the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulder for so many years and still deliver clutch performances.

“What stands out to me about Messi, 35, is his consistent greatness over so many years. This is so difficult to achieve, and then maintain. My career has just come to an end and I have now realize how much weight we athletes carry. For a football player like Messi, that weight likely feels more massive, as he represents both a world-renowned club and a very passionate country.”

Federer also touched upon Argentina’s World Cup victory, describing it as a magnificent moment in sports history, witnessed by millions as jubilant fans took to the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate. The Swiss legend then reminisced about his own sources of inspiration from Argentine soccer, citing Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta as his childhood favorites. Now, he believes that Messi can inspire future generations, much as Maradona and Batistuta had inspired him.

“Argentina’s World Cup victory was magnificent. Millions of fans’ taking to the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate was an amazing moment in sports, witnessed around the world. Growing up, Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta were my favorite Argentine players. I was lucky enough to meet both of them. Now Messi can inspire future generations. I can only hope we get to see his unique creativity and artistry for a little bit longer. You may miss something incredible from the man of the moment. Thank you, Leo.”

Currently, Lionel Messi is plying his trade in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, a move that garnered significant attention and shifted the soccer landscape in America to greater heights.

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About the author

Atharva Upasani

A creative story teller with attention to detail and experience of working in sports industry, Atharva has over 3 years of experience in content writing. Being a Rafael Nadal fan himself, Atharva has included Rafas' work ethic and winning mentality in various aspects of his life. Atharva has completed his masters in sports journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and has expertise in tennis as well as other sports.

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Content: "I don't see those things like that" - When Cristiano Ronaldo made surprise comment on rivalry with Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo recently discussed his long-time rivalry with Lionel Messi, revealing that the duo were not friends.

Both players have seen their rivalry in Spain shape their lives and drive them to new heights never seen before in football. Currently, they have the most Ballons d'Or awards, racking up a combined 13 in well over a decade.

However, they have since stopped playing in European football. Both Ronaldo and Messi have entered a new chapter in their careers by signing with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Inter Miami in the USA, respectively.

Speaking about their competition at a press conference in September 2023, Ronaldo notably stated (via GOAL):

"If you like Cristiano, you don't have to hate Messi. The two changed the history of football and are respected. Rivalry? I don't see those things like that, we shared the stage for 15 years. I'm not saying we are friends but we respect each other."

Lionel Messi spent the bulk of his career at Barcelona, before moving to France to play for Paris Saint-Germain. He played for only two clubs in Europe, before opting for a move stateside.

Cristiano Ronaldo was more of a journeyman, playing for Sporting, before moving to Manchester United, Real Madrid, and finally Juventus. He returned to England for a short stint with the Red Devils before moving to the Middle East.

Cristiano Ronaldo ranks lower than Lionel Messi in Daily Mail's Top 50 Footballers of all time

Recently, The Daily Mail (via SportBible) released its list of the 50 greatest football players of all time, with Lionel Messi at the top and Cristiano Ronaldo far below, in 10th place.

This list declares the legendary Argentine to be the greatest player ever. In 1052 games so far, he has scored 826 goals, 363 assists, and won eight Ballon d'Or trophies. UEFA Men's Player of the Year, Copa America Best Player, and FIFA World Cup Golden Balls are among the other trophies in his trophy case.

His Portuguese counterpart, on the other hand, has won five Ballon d'Or trophies. In 1213 games till now, he has scored 879 goals and provided 249 assists. Among his honors are the European Golden Shoes, the Champions League top scorer titles, the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, and the FIFA Puskas award.

After Messi, other legends included Pele, Diego Maradona, Johann Cryuff, Zinedine Zidane, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ronaldo Nazario, Garrincha, and Zico, all before Ronaldo.

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Edited by Ankush Das

Title:

Content: As he turns 37, Lionel Messi is under no illusions about the amount of time he has left in his football career.

"Inter Miami will be my last club, yes," the Argentina star said a fortnight before his birthday. "As of today, it's gonna be my last one. I love playing football, I enjoy everything much more because I am aware that every time there's less and less."

The veteran is part of Argentina's Copa America squad this summer, though, looking to add another continental title. His great rival Cristiano Ronaldo is in a similar boat with Portugal at Euro 2024, despite both men being in the twilight of their careers.

For some time, Messi and Ronaldo were the pinnacle of club football as they traded Ballon d'Or wins. As Messi turns 37, Mirror Football takes a closer look at that rivalry... and everything the South American achieved before and since.

Ronaldo rivalry

Ronaldo and Messi weren't in the same league until 2009, but the rivalry between the pair - at least in the eyes of the media - came earlier. The Portugal star, then at Manchester United, beat Messi to the Ballon d'Or in 2008 to set off a decade-long run where no other player claimed the award.

For the bulk of that period, the pair were trading blows in La Liga. There was a sense each brought the best out of the other, bringing about goal tallies which are scarcely believable even for those who were there when it all happened.

474 goals in 520 La Liga appearances was Messi's final tally for Barcelona, with Ronaldo bagging 311 in 292 outings for Madrid, though take away Messi's teenage years (Ronaldo moved to La Liga aged 24) and the goal-per-game ratios are even closer. In the Champions League, the pair sit one and two in the all-time counts thanks to Ronaldo's 141 goals in 187 appearances and Messi's 129 in 161.

How will you remember Lionel Messi's career? Have your say in the comments section

Messi holds a record eight Ballon d'Or wins, with Ronaldo second with five, though four of those came in five years at Real Madrid between 2013 and 2017 during which he won three Champions League titles to Messi's one. Still, Ronaldo's reaction to Messi's eighth win in 2023 suggested the personal rivalry continues to play on his mind.

Since moving to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo has been reminded of his rival even more. On one occasion, during a match against Al-Shabab, his reaction to opposition fans chanting the name of the Argentine was enough to earn him a domestic ban.

Despite that, though, there remains plenty of mutual respect when it comes to the pair's on-field achievements. "It is a good rivalry that exists in football, but this is no exception. Michael Jordan had rivals in basketball, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were great rivals in Formula One." Ronaldo told RMC Sport in 2020.

Back in 2018, when Ronaldo left Madrid for Juventus, Messi said: "It was nice to play against Cristiano, he made Madrid a stronger side. I said at the beginning of the season that Madrid would miss him, as any team would.

"It made a lot of Madrid fans a bit angry but that is the reality. Any team would miss him. He scores 50 goals a season and he was the key player for them, of course, they were going to miss that."

Tearful Barcelona exit

Three years after Ronaldo departed Madrid, Messi said goodbye to Barcelona. It was a slightly different situation, though - while Ronaldo had spent close to a decade in the Spanish capital, his rival was leaving the only club he had known since the age of 13.

Messi scored 38 goals in all competitions in his final Barca season, helping the team score more than anyone else in La Liga, but they could only finish third behind the two Madrid clubs after a late-season collapse. He bowed out with a Copa del Rey triumph, but any hopes of a farewell Champions League victory ended in the round of 16 against a Kylian Mbappe-inspired Paris Saint-Germain.

The Catalan club's financial concerns were plain to see as Messi's contract was allowed to run down in the summer of 2021. Once it became clear he couldn't stick around - despite efforts to agree reduced terms - the gravity of the situation hit him.

"Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the Club cannot finally be fulfilled," Barcelona said in a statement confirming 'economic and structural obstacles' stood in the way of a renewal. “Barça would like to thank with all its heart the player's contribution to the enhancement of the institution and wishes him the best in his personal and professional life.”

Messi confirmed the inevitable in a press conference of his own, breaking down in tears as he confirmed he was leaving Camp Nou after more than two decades. "I did everything to stay. I can't add anything else," he said.

"No doubt, this is the hardest moment [of my career]," Messi told reporters when confirming the exit. "We got hurtful defeats but football gives you a chance to revenge that. But there is no turning point to this”

“I feel very sad now as I have to leave a club that I love. I did not expect this. I always told the truth. Last year I wanted to leave, this year I did not want to leave”

Two years at Paris Saint-Germain followed, with Messi unable to add a Champions League title with the French club, before a move to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. Speculation over a Barcelona return continued to follow him around during that period, and he would later reflect on how tough things were.

"My departure from Barcelona to Paris was not something I wanted," Messi admitted in the summer of 2023. I did not want to leave and it happened from one day to the next, it also took a while for me to quickly get used to a totally different place both in the city and in sports and made it difficult."

World Cup triumph

Despite his individual and club honours with Barcelona, international glory continued to evade him. There were plenty of painful moments, not least the 2014 World Cup final loss and defeats to Chile in the final of the Copa America.

It's easy to forget how well Messi played in that 2014 run, taking an often-ordinary Argentina side within touching distance of glory. The 2018 campaign was over before it really got started, with the Albiceleste scraping out of their group but losing to eventual champions France in the round of 16, but it was a different story in 2022.

Things started in the worst possible fashion, with Saudi Arabia stunning Argentina despite Messi scoring from the penalty spot. After the 2-1 loss, he was almost lost for words while recognising the size of the task ahead.

"I had never suffered such a hard blow with this group of players," he said. "Things happen for a reason. Now, obviously, we have to win or win."

Win and win is exactly what they did. A deadlock-breaking goal from Messi against Mexico set up a 2-0 win and brought back memories of his strikes in 2014, but it was team-mates Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez who came up with the goods after Messi saw a penalty saved by Poland's Wojciech Szczesny in the crucial final group game.

When it came to the knockouts, Messi stepped up in a big way. He scored in each of Argentina's matches as they overcame Australia, The Netherlands and Croatia to book their place in the final, also netting in the penalty shoot-out against the Dutch - just as he had done in the 2014 semis.

He was on target again in the final, but things were never going to be easy. A Messi penalty and a second goal from Angel Di Maria put the South Americans two goals to the good against France with 10 minutes remaining, only for a quickfire Kylian Mbappe brace to force extra-time.

Messi netted again in the extra period, only for Mbappe to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot, and only a big save from Emi Martinez stopped Randal Kolo Muani scoring a last-gasp winner for Les Bleus. Another Martinez save denied Kingsley Coman in the shoot-out, and Messi and Argentina could finally breathe a sigh of relief when Gonzalo Montiel put away the winning spot-kick.

Martinez would later lift the lid on the "amazing" speech from Messi which paved the way for that success. "[He was] talking about family and what it cost us to be at the World Cup," Martinez said during the 'Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend' Apple TV documentary.

"It made us cry to basically everyone. It was like a group of friends going on an adventure and reaching the end. He said, 'Whatever happens, thank you for everything you have done for me.' And he would say, 'This is it, this is the one. We have to hold it.'"

They did indeed hold it, delivering Messi the World Cup he was striving for ever since playing in the competition for the first time back in 2006. It came after a Copa America triumph in 2021 - almost unbelievably the first of his career.

Messi might not have long to go in his career, but he still has time to add to his achievements. Inter Miami are pushing for silverware after reuniting Messi with his former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, and he could yet celebrate another international title right at home in Florida as he aims to go back-to-back.

Argentina got off to a winning start in the 2024 Copa America, which is being held in the United States. Victory in the final at Miami Gardens would be the ideal way to cap off an international career which has - at last - delivered everything it promised.

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Messi has 10 La Liga titles with Barcelona.

Title:

Content: Messi agrees two-year contract with PSG and is travelling to Paris to undergo medical following Barcelona exit

Last Updated
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Lionel Messi has agreed a two-year contract to join Paris Saint-Germain and is expected to undergo his medical on Tuesday, Goal can confirm.

The Argentina international star spoke tearfully on Sunday as he confirmed his departure from the club where he has spent the last 21 years.

Messi is now set to arrive in Paris on Tuesday and, providing he passes the medical without a hitch, he will sign a two-year contract with PSG, which has the option of a further 12 months.

How much will Messi earn at PSG?

It is expected that Messi will receive in the region of €30 million-35 million (£25m-30m/$35m-$41m) per season during his time at PSG, while there will also be team and individual bonuses.

Did Messi have any other offers?

Messi did receive offers from two other clubs, but PSG was always the option that he liked the most.

Reports have claimed that Atletico Madrid were one of the clubs to make an approach, while he was also linked with the likes of Manchester City and Inter.

What has Messi said on PSG move?

Messi has not yet confirmed that he will move to PSG.

Speaking on Sunday, he stated: “Paris Saint-Germain is a possibility, yes.

“At the moment nothing is confirmed, I received a lot of calls after the Barcelona statement. We’re talking about it.”

Nevertheless, everything appears to be in place for Messi to join the Ligue 1 side, following stars such as Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi and Georginio Wijnaldum in making their way to Parc des Princes this summer.

Messi’s Barcelona record

Messi leaves Barcelona not only as one of the club’s greatest players of all time, but arguably the greatest player of all time.

He is both Barca’s top scorer and top appearance maker of all time, with 672 goals from 778 matches.

Article continues below

During his time at Camp Nou, where he made his professional debut in 2003 after joining the academy in 2000, he has won La Liga 10 times and four Champions Leagues.

Additionally, Messi has won the Ballon d'Or a record six times, eclipsing his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who only has five to his name.

Further Reading

Title:

Content: What Was Lionel Messi Known For?

News

What Was Lionel Messi Known For?

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Known for his exceptional skills, agility, and goal-scoring ability, Messi has left an indelible mark on the world of football. From his early days at FC Barcelona to his international success with the Argentine national team, Messi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi showed immense talent from a young age. He joined the Barcelona youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 13, where he honed his skills and developed his unique playing style. Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004, at the age of 17, and quickly became a key player for the club.

Playing Style and Skills
Messi is known for his exceptional dribbling ability, close ball control, and lightning-fast speed. His low center of gravity allows him to change direction quickly, leaving defenders in his wake. His vision and passing accuracy are also remarkable, enabling him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. However, it is his goal-scoring prowess that truly sets him apart. Messi has an incredible ability to find the back of the net, often with stunning precision and creativity.

Records and Achievements
Throughout his career, Messi has shattered numerous records and achieved countless milestones. He has won numerous individual awards, including the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or, which he has claimed a record-breaking seven times. Messi has also led Barcelona to numerous domestic and international titles, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.

FAQ

Q: What is Messi’s playing position?
A: Messi primarily plays as a forward or attacking midfielder, but his versatility allows him to excel in various positions on the field.

Q: Has Messi ever won the FIFA World Cup?
A: Despite his immense success at the club level, Messi has yet to win the FIFA World Cup with the Argentine national team. However, he has led Argentina to the finals in 2014 and has won several other international tournaments, including the Copa America.

Q: How many goals has Messi scored in his career?
A: As of 2021, Messi has scored over 700 goals in official matches for both club and country.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi is known for his exceptional skills, agility, and goal-scoring ability. His playing style, records, and achievements have solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Whether it is his mesmerizing dribbles or his ability to find the back of the net, Messi’s impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

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Content: Advertisement
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He won all the titles except the most expensive.
Lionel Messi ’ s most notable figures throughout his history
18-12-2022 | 01: 30
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Argentine star Lionel Messi aspires to add the most important title to his football career, on Sunday, when the "tango dancers" meet the French team in the final of the 2022 World Cup.
Messi, 35, is seeking to win the 2022 World Cup after Argentina have not won the title since 1986.
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For many, winning the World Cup would cement Messi ’ s status as the greatest footballer of all time after years of controversy and comparison with Portugal ’ s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi ’ s achievements in numbers
Messi scored 791 goals for the clubs he played for and his country.
He has won 41 trophies in his career, as well as a record seven gold balls.
- The star began his football career with the club "Newles Old Boys" at the age of six, and became part of the greatest youth team of Barcelona ever, where he scored 36 goals in 30 games and helped to crown his team with an unprecedented trio in the league and cup.
His first professional appearance came at the age of 17 and 3 months, the youngest Barcelona player ever, in a match against Espanyol in October 2004.
That season he played 244 minutes in nine matches, scoring his first goal against Albacete in May 2005.
In August of that year, Messi made his debut for Argentina in a match against Hungary.
Messi has played 1002 professional matches at the club and national team level.
Messi had 350 assists – 116 more than Ronaldo – and played 143 fewer games than the player.
Messi holds a number of scoring records, including Barcelona (627) and Argentina (96).
Messi also holds the world record for the highest number of goals (71) in a season, beating the previous record of German striker Gerd Mueller of 67 goals, according to the British network "Sky News".
Messi has scored 11 World Cup goals so far in his career, across five tournaments, and is the only player in history to score a World Cup goal in his teens, 20s and 30s.
With 40 international and club titles, winning the World Cup will bring him one step closer to the title of best footballer in history, which is currently held by his former teammate, Brazilian right-back Dani Alves with 42 titles.
Over two decades with Barcelona, Messi has won an astounding 10 La Liga titles, 7 Champions League titles and 15 domestic trophies, and has lifted the Club World Cup and European Super Cup three times each.
With his current club Paris Saint-Germain, he won the French Football League title this season.
Messi has won six European awards for the Golden Boot and the Cup of the Best Player at the 2021 Copa America.
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Messi has 4 Champions League titles with Barcelona.

Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Title:

Content: The cheapest ticket to see Messi.
Despite disappointing results and last place in the NFL, Inter Miami are in the spotlight as their supporters battle for tickets for next season at exorbitant prices, prompting the club to expand its stadium capacity.
The Argentine star, by signing for Inter Miami, brought a breath of fresh air in the hope that his presence would contribute to a real start to the NFL after several unsuccessful attempts.
His arrival also aroused the passion of supporters in Miami, where many Latin Americans live.
Upon Messi ’ s arrival in Fort Lauderdale, about 50 kilometers north of Miami, where Inter Miami is located, about 20 fans greeted the world champion with a sign reading “We ’ re waiting for you, Messi. ”
They sang and chanted the name of their beloved at the entrance to the airport, and were happy to be there without even seeing Rosario ’ s son in person.
Ariel Gonzalez, 56, said: “I feel very good because I know that even if I don ’ t see him here, I ’ ll see him in an hour, next week or 10 days.
We ’ re right behind him. ”
The departure of Messi, 36, from French club Paris Saint-Germain and his signing with Inter, came as a surprise to many even though Inter have been working on it for a long time.
But his offer was met with a seductive Saudi offer and the possibility of a return to his former club Barcelona.
Miami fans are counting the days ahead of Messi's first official game, which may be on the 21st, in the "league cups" organized by the American and Mexican leagues.
For Raoul Patino, who moved to Miami 22 years ago in Florida, Messi ’ s arrival represents “before and after ” in U.S. football history.
"He's one of the best players in the world, just like Pele or Maradona.
"In 10 years, when you ask a teenager what game he wants to play, he will answer football, it will be because of Messi's influence on these children."
Missy's fever.
Inter Miami, of which former English footballer David Beckham is a contributor, is aware of the economic opportunities offered by the arrival of 7-time Ballon d ’ Or winner Messi.
Once his signature was announced, the price of the cheapest card for his potential debut, against Mexico ’ s Crosssol, rose from $29 to $329 on online sales platform Tekpek, a more than 1,000 percent increase.
The club has announced the arrival of other prestigious names, starting with former Argentina coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino or former Spanish international Sergio Busquets, Messi's former Barcelona teammate, as well as increasing the capacity of his stadium.
Messi ’ s madness took on other forms in Miami ’ s Winwood art district, such as the huge portrait of the player painted by compatriot Mackesmeliano Banyasco and placed on the facade of a building.
The Argentine artist finished the first step, the smiling face of the footballer, but will now move on to the next step: the player ’ s body with its new colors.
He works meticulously every morning with an umbrella that protects him from the extreme heat of the last days.
"I made a huge model of Messi in Albania and during my stay there, I got the news that he was moving here.
Many of my acquaintances then told me that I should also paint it in Miami. ”
The other Argentine, Juan Tavvas, admits he was surprised by the excitement of Messi ’ s arrival in Miami.
"There is a kind of madness in what Messi represents for us Argentines."
"Now this madness is dominating Miami as well.
In all the stores there is his picture on the shirts, he is everywhere, you feel like you are in Buenos Aires or Rosario. "
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Title:

Content: 【 Principal 's Column 】 From the World Cup to the pursuit of dream love officials: understand the importance of perseverance and perseverance
Education 10: 50 2022 / 12 / 22
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After winning the 2022 World Cup in Argentina, King Max lifted the Hercules Cup to a successful conclusion.
There is no shortage of exciting events this year, including the promotion of the African Expedition Morocco Miracle, the impressive performances of Japan and Saudi Arabia in the group stage, and Croatia once again reached the top four.
In addition to enjoying the wonderful game, the students can also understand the truth of life from the various performances of the players.
Mordy taught us to believe in ourselves.
Croatia is a small country with a population of less than 4 million but the ability to pressure Brazil such a big football country, the team's soul man Mody credit, he is more than 30 years old, with endless efforts and hard work, led the team in the last World Cup finals, to this year's World Cup into the final four, extraordinary achievements, age for him is only a number.
He once said, "All the past makes me fight for my dreams."
The only way to succeed is to believe in yourself even if someone says you can ’ t.
So I'm not going to give up, any questioning becomes motivation, and I'm going to prove them wrong.
In this way, you can be a fighter for yourself. "His humility, truth and disgrace, tenacious heart and fighting spirit, but also make him an inevitable choice for Real Madrid.
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Examination results are only part of growth, if a certain subject is not satisfactory does not mean that students can not do anything, helpful, enthusiastic service, physical skills, scientific innovation ideas are their own "bright spots" and "strong points", to believe in themselves, dare to try, will always find a bright road of their own.
Martinez taught us to be tough.
Messe was able to dream of winning the World Cup, goalkeeper Martinis was very successful, he flew left and right in the end section, and even shot 12 yards to put out a Gaowen shot, leading the army to defeat the French crown.
Originally from humble origins, he had seen his father secretly crying in the middle of the night because he had no money to pay his bills, so he plucked up the courage, left his family, and went to England to insist on 10 years at Arsenal. Although he waited hard and fruitless, but he still practiced hard, and trained harder than before under the epidemic.
In June 2020, Arsenal faced Brighton in the Premier League, the first-choice goalkeeper will be injured, he was given the opportunity to perform, and then with a stable performance to play for Aston Villa, and was selected for the Argentina national team.
After winning the title, he told reporters: "For many young goalkeepers who are struggling and are not selected, my story is probably good".
When the students find their ideal, to continue to work hard to learn, ten years to grind a sword, even in the competition, in the event failed to achieve good results, can also continue to work hard next time, do not let any chance to break through their own opportunities, hard work, their talents must have a chance to be appreciated.
Mace teaches us to believe in persistence.
Eight years ago, the 27-year-old Messi was brilliant, but he was not happy at the World Cup, losing in 2014 and out in 2018.
However, he never gave up, insisted on 5 for a total of 16 years, after each fall, retired, and came back again, insisting on playing for the country.
He knows how to find the right role in the team when his personal ability slowly degrades, no longer fighting alone, shining with a class of rising stars, and using his own experience to bring new old, the pressure on himself, the credit to his teammates.
At the age of 35, Messi was not demoralized by the French equaliser, and clenched his teeth to score the third goal, and then dared to take the first shot in 12 yards to inspire his teammates with an example of leading the team.
The dreams of the students often seem unrealistic, the champion of the competition will always have only one, the world can not do as well as the people, when we encounter difficulties, in order to protect themselves always subconsciously want to give up.
Ball king Mises with their own efforts, adhere to the belief, fight against adversity, with action to teach us at least to try, do not give up.
Even if the front is a trial again and again, Max can do it, and the students should believe that they can do it.
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Written by: Choi Ka-cheung Oi, Principal of Order Bay Government Primary School

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Content: Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
My grandfather, Zainuddin.
Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
My grandfather, Zainuddin.
6 T-shirts sold to Missy for $7.8 million
Six shirts worn by Argentine star Lionel Messi at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have been sold for $7.8 million at auction, Russia said today.
Sotheby ’ s told AFP there were three total bids in what it described as Lionel Messi ’ s iconic light-blue, white and vertical striped shirts for Argentina from his historic 2022 World Cup adventure, which he crowned for the first time in his career.
The shirts sold broke the record set by previous collectibles associated with Inter Miami star Messi, 36.
It has also become the most valuable item in sports memorabilia sold at auction this year so far, according to Sotheby ’ s.
Brahm Wakter, head of Sotheby ’ s Modern Collectibles division, said: “The 2022 FIFA World Cup is one of the greatest events in the history of sport and is inextricably linked to Messi ’ s courageous career and the consolidation of his position as the greatest player of all time.
“The sale of these six shirts marks a huge occasion in the history of the auction, providing fans and collectors with a link to Messi ’ s achievement. ”
Messi led Argentina to their third World Cup title at Qatar by beating France 4-2 on penalties after drawing 3-3 in the original and extra time at Lusail Stadium on 18 December 2022.
Messi scored seven goals at the Qatar World Cup, raising the number of his goals to 13.
Messi tops the list of players who have won the most collective titles with 44 titles, including La Liga (10 times), the Champions League (4) and the Copa América (1).
Earlier this month, Messi was named "Sportsman of the Year" for 2023 by Time magazine after a splendid season marked by being crowned World Player of the Year for the eighth time in his career and moving to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi won one Copa America title in 2021.

Messi scored 7 goals in the 2022 World Cup.

Messi has 13 World Cup goals in total.

Messi has 672 goals for Barcelona, the club's all-time top scorer.

Messi has 765 goals across all clubs, surpassing many contemporaries.

Messi has 826 goals and 363 assists in 1052 games.

Messi has 6 Golden Boot titles, more than Ronaldo.

Messi's dribbling rating 9.5 beats Mbappé's 8.5.

Title:

Content: World Cup | Macy ’ s vs McBarb Who ’ s Stronger?
Former Premier League Golden Boots Analysis Two Generations of King 7 Talents
Author: Li Jianming
Published: Updated:
Argentina ’ s Lionel Messi and France ’ s new generation of star Kylian Mbappe were the focus of the World Cup final.
Chris Sutton, a former England international who is now writing for the British Daily Mail, shared his opinion and scored 10 out of 10 to compare the seven talents of the two to see who is stronger.
The World Cup 2022 page is now available. Stay tuned for free live streaming.
World Cup 2022 Lazy Pack ｜ A Brief Overview of NowTV / ViuTV Live Time 32 Team Singles Schedule
Thurton, who had previously played in the Brumbies and England national team with Shuria's much-feared "SAS" striker, won the Premier League Golden Boot in the 1997 – 98 season, and he was a persuasive critic of the two generations of forwards, Messi and Bobby.
He first evaluated the shooting ability of the two men, and he believed that Mays and Mabbi currently ranked first in the game with five goals, which were evenly divided, giving them the highest score of 10 points.
Thurton rated McBarbie ’ s speed (left) as a top 10. (Getty Images)
The second is speed, which is better than the 35-year-old Mays, who is 23 years old and known for his speed, so Thurton gave Mays 10 points and Mays 7 points.
Thurton believes Mays (pictured right) has the ability to control the ball as a "Mahler Donner". (Getty Images)
The third comparison is Dribbling, which Thurton describes as "Mahler's top scorer", and the example of this year's outstanding Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol was unable to stop Mays in the fourth round. Mays had 9.5 points, while McBarbie had 8.5.
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In terms of passing ability, Thurton, for example, passed an assist to Nahuel Molina in the top 8 of the Mets, proving his strength and vision, and although passing was not Mabbi's strong, he was also good at passing, and Thurton eventually gave Mabbi nine points and Mabbi eight points.
The fifth is the work rate, although Thurton only gave the two men five points each, but also defended them, saying that they are top players who can deliver results without running frequently, and can explode whenever necessary.
Thurton believes that McBarbie is sometimes in the water, so he only gives him five points in this regard. (Getty Images)
The sixth is the reaction to the interception, Thurton pointed out that some football players are famous for plugging, he believes that Messi is not such a player, "as long as Messi wants to continue to control the ball and maintain balance, he will continue to do so."
Thurton believes Mathis showed his passion in the game against the Netherlands. (Getty Images)
The final ability is leadership, Thurton said that everyone in this World Cup to see the different Messi, but also from Argentina against the Netherlands to see the behavior of Messi against Wout Weghorst (Wout Weghorst) and Louis van Gaal (Louis van Gaal), and his past impression of the more introverted, so Thurton also gave Messi a full 10 points. Bobby has also become an indispensable player in France, so he also gave Mabbi nine points.
After a combined score of seven, Mays edged ahead, scoring 57.5 out of 70, while McBarbie scored 55.5.

Messi's passing rating 9 outperforms Mbappé's 8.

Messi's leadership rating 10 exceeds Mbappé's 9.

Messi's overall score 57.5 is higher than Mbappé's 55.5.

Messi's influence inspires future generations and shapes modern attacking play.

Title:

Content: Game On

Grand walk into the sunset

As Argentina lock horns tonight against the defending champions — France — a victory at the Lusail Stadium would hand Messi the 'elusive' trophy in his highly decorated career

X

Tonight, you are going to see Lionel Messi play for Argentina, one last time. If you had planned something else in advance, cancel it. For this is not a show which should be seen as a replay but in real-time. This 35-year-old man has not shocked the world by announcing retirement but has gone one level above greatness — he is not going to hang on needlessly.

Argentina versus defending champions France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final is the script which could not have gotten better. Almost everything has been written about the World Cup till now, from how Qatar would be a lousy host to how the heat would bug players! Perhaps, the ignorant forgot, the stadia in the desert venues of Qatar were temperature-controlled with solar panels. The heat generated was by the 22 men on the field in each match, wanting to grab the Adidas ball and bang it into the goal.

The finale boils down to the harsh realities of how only one team can win. In the normal course, a final preview will be a SWOT analysis and then throwing in incidents which give one team an edge. If you are going to use this as a template for predicting this final between Les Bleus and Argentina, it would be stupid.

Messi is great and his greatness never needs a fresh endorsement from anyone, be it fans, former internationals or those who froth on TV mikes. They are paid to talk, sometimes banal stuff, sometimes brilliant stuff. The best commentator, as an expert, will do minimal talking, for the football viewer is knowledgeable and discerning. From the average fan who watches the sport every four years during the World Cup to the daily fan who watches club football non-stop, Messi is a staple diet.

That you will not be getting your staple diet from now on while watching Argentina play as a national team will take time to reconcile. We often hear talk that India must get back the Kohinoor Diamond from Britain. How stupid is that! To think the Kohinoor will be returned is like asking Britain — a nation today in turmoil — to atone for the atrocities perpetuated in India during their Raj.

The Kohinoor Diamond will stay in Britain and Messi the diamond will return to Argentina. Whether he takes the World Cup trophy in his luggage or not, we will know by 10:45 pm IST on Sunday night. If the trophy heads back to Paris, you cannot complain, for France has been sensational this time despite injury scares. If France has done so well with some left home, and Karim Benzema being readied for the final after his injury break, the best European side has shown they are unique.

Two reasons, one is Kylian Mbappé, who will turn 24 on December 20, and manager Didier Deschamps. These two men have been stand-outs, in every sense. Mbappé has proved he is speed and lightning and can make life miserable for anyone. The best part is France has an array of stars in all departments, with Deschamps being the shrewdest manager at the wheel.

It would be no exaggeration to state, Messi will make this final day of the World Cup his own, win or lose. We heard he has aged, we heard he has become slow, and we heard he has flopped multiple times for Argentina in the World Cups. Maybe, a lot of it is true. By deciding to hang up his boots, again something he decided in such a simple manner by talking to an Argentine media house, Messi did not want that to become the news but Argentina winning the semi-final.

Champions come in various hues. Some wear emotions on their sleeves, while some stay low profile. Messi has many meanings. Leo, his first name, means Lion. Yes, he is a lion, began as a cub and then grew big. With another Lion, his manager, Scaloni. Their tango for Argentina has exhibited Argentine flavour and fervour. If Messi has quit before the final, it shows how much clarity is there in his head and heart.

He has attempted this again and again, and the last fling will be so potent, it's going to make everyone weep, cry, and hysterical. Why? Sport is about emotions, how champions give you a high without needing to be on substance. In Qatar, where even Budweiser beer is banned in the stadia, you could get high on Messi. Well, he is going to provide you with that final snort, that final sniff, the final moments. It could be 90 minutes plus injury time. Or, in a worst-case scenario, extra time and then penalties.

Messi is prepared for all this and so is Argentina. All those who are critical of Messi and have done this GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate mindlessly will one day realise how immature they were. Each champion has a place in our heart and head. Leave aside Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior. They flopped badly this time, but Messi did not.

Goal scoring, assists, penalties, all that you can see from stats. What you need to see in Messi is much more. If you haven't, till now, do it on Sunday. The way he walks, not runs, his body twists and turns, how he has his eyes on the ball, how he sizes up space in a three-dimensional sense and then showcases his skills will be there to see. It would, perhaps, surprise you, he still plans how to take the penalty. It's not like going and blasting the ball. Each goalie has his way of reacting. The way Messi flummoxed goalie Livakovic of Croatia was well-planned. Messi had chatted with his think-tank, before the match. They had understood, Livakovic liked to see players taking the penalty prepare and then fire the ball with their foot. Messi decided that he would take the penalty so fast, with a short and sharp run-up, and boom, it bulged the top right corner.

If at this age, Messi is planning penalties, you can well imagine how other teams flopped with the dead ball, Spain being a classic example. Messi has been cerebral and, at the same time, conservative. Those who have studied his movements in a computer-based analysis, and even some singers who have observed Messi, know that he does not waste energy. No needless running six miles in one match.

If you were to compare him and Mbappé, it's a stark contrast. Age-wise, they are different, though the Frenchman is supposed to be Messi's successor. Frankly speaking, when comparing legends, to say one resembles the other is bizarre. Each legend in each sport has his or her own style. Comparisons are kind of fictitious.

Messi does not run to run empty tanks on his energy levels. He moves, darts and is present at the right place at the right time. You can call it "assists" in pure football jargon but if you look at it from an aesthetic point of view, Messi has been Messi. No comparison with anyone, not even the Late Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to the last World Cup win in 1986. Messi has seen Maradona as a coach and would have learnt a lot. That he chose to say goodbye to Argentina is a sign of being selfless, not selfish. He knows, five World Cup campaigns are enough, though in club football he sees his continuance simply because he has a lot left in him. His brand value cannot be defined or determined by US dollars or Euros. Messi is priceless like the Kohinoor and to fix a price for him, only football businessmen will do, not the fans.

This edition of the World Cup has been more about break than make, where reputations were blown to bits in the deserts of Qatar which provided the best ambience and infrastructure. Budweiser beer ban in stadia, strict laws relating to not wearing "One Love" arm bands and so on sounded harsh. Looking back, minus lager louts, this World Cup was happy and there was no violence. You can say that FIFA was not transparent with all its deals pertaining to Qatar. Did that in any way stop the football from becoming effervescent? No.

Hours from now, the 22 best men will descend on the green turf. One man, Messi, wearing the blue and white No.10 jersey, will be the cynosure. It has been the case for 16 years now in World Cups. Will Messi become Lion King or will he be remembered as a man with multiple Ballon d' Ór trophies in his cupboard but not the biggest trophy?

Mentally, Messi will be best prepared for the final, as the biggest decision has already been made, he will walk away from the tunnel with that one last wave. Whether he wins the trophy or not, he is going to leave billions of fans in tears, across various time zones, on Sunday. Will Messi shed tears? He has to, for you cannot walk away from your national side just like that. This is why the World Cup, which takes place once every four years, is so big. You have to compliment FIFA for keeping the purity of the World Cup intact. How to say thanks to Messi? Don't bottle up your emotions, weep, cry, or celebrate. And watch No 10 walk into the sunset.

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