Lionel Messi is widely considered the number one football player in the world due to his impressive career achievements and exceptional playing style.

He has won a total of 44 major trophies since 2004, making him the most decorated footballer in history.

Throughout his career, Messi has won 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa Del Reys, four Champions League wins, and numerous other awards.

He has also led his national team, Argentina, to several victories, including the FIFA World Cup and the Copa America.

Messi's impressive skills and achievements have earned him seven FIFA Ballon d'Or awards, a record-breaking feat.

He is also the all-time leading scorer in Europe's top five leagues, with 496 goals, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's record.

Messi's playing style is characterized by his exceptional technical skills, speed, and agility, which have been honed through years of dedication and hard work.

He is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, known for his exceptional gaming style and ability to score crucial goals.

Messi's influence on the sport is undeniable, and he has inspired a generation of young footballers with his impressive skills and achievements.

He has been ranked the best player of the 2010s, and his records and awards are a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Messi has scored over 700 goals in official matches, a feat that is unmatched by most footballers.

He has also made 234 assists in 517 appearances for Barcelona, demonstrating his exceptional ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Messi's records and achievements are not limited to his club career, as he has also led Argentina to several victories, including the Copa America.

He has won a record seven Ballon D’Or trophies, and his exceptional skills and achievements have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest football players of all time.

Messi's playing style is also characterized by his exceptional speed and agility, which allow him to reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

He follows a strict Mediterranean diet, which consists of water, olive oil, and whole wheat, and is known for his explosive pace and strength.

Messi's small size, which is due to his suffering from dwarfism as a child, has actually become an advantage, as it gives him a low center of gravity and allows him to change direction quickly.

He is nicknamed "Little Flea" due to his exceptional speed and agility, and his ability to dodge opponents with ease.

In comparison to other top footballers, Messi's records and achievements are unmatched, and he is widely considered the number one football player in the world.

He has been ranked the best player of the 2010s, and his records and awards are a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who is often considered Messi's rival, has also achieved great success, but his records and achievements are not quite on the same level as Messi's.

Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards, and has scored 701 club goals, but Messi's exceptional skills and achievements have earned him a reputation as the number one football player in the world.

Kylian Mbappé, who is considered one of the most promising young footballers, has also achieved great success, but his records and achievements are not yet on the same level as Messi's.

Mbappé has scored 40 Champions League goals and has 26 assists at the age of 24, but Messi's exceptional skills and achievements have earned him a reputation as the number one football player in the world.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi is widely considered the number one football player in the world due to his impressive career achievements and exceptional playing style.

His records and achievements are unmatched, and he has inspired a generation of young footballers with his impressive skills and achievements.

Messi's influence on the sport is undeniable, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest football players of all time.

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Content: List of all 44 major trophies won by Lionel Messi since 2004

Lionel Messi

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Lionel Messi won his latest career trophy when he captained Inter Miami to cup glory over the weekend.

Messi officially has 44 titles in close to two decades, making him the most decorated footballer in history. His first trophy was back in 2004.

The Leagues Cup was his first trophy on American soil and comes just over a month since his arrival in South Florida.

Last year, the Argentine captain got his hands on the World Cup after several tries as his side defeated France in a tense final.

List of trophies Messi has won since 2004

a. 10 La Liga titles

b. Seven Copa Del Reys

c. Eight Spanish Super Cups

d. Three FIFA Club World Cups

e. Three UEFA Super Cups

f. The FIFA World Cup

g. The Finalissima

h. The Copa America

i. Olympic Gold

j. U20 World Cup

k. Two Ligue 1 titles and

l. One Trophée de Champions.

m. our Champions League wins

Goal.com report on Inter Miami final triumph

Inter Miami have added the first piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet. Just a few short weeks ago, that seemed almost unfathomable. The worst team in MLS taking down every opponent in their path on their way to a trophy? Come on!

A few short weeks ago, though, they didn't have Lionel Messi. They sure do now.

Messi was, unsurprisingly, the star of the show once again as Miami took down Nashville SC at Geodis Park, scoring a stunning goal to kickstart a match that finished 1-1 through 90 minutes. The goal was quintessential Messi: minimal space, a curling shot and no chance for the opposing goalkeeper.

A scrappy goal kept Nashville in the contest, but, even as the match went to penalties, there was no stopping Messi and co. It was a historically good shootout, too, as all 22 players took turns from the spot. Messi, of course, scored his as Miami's first taker, but it wasn't until Nashville SC goalkeeper Elliot Panicco saw his shot saved by Drake Callendar that Miami could celebrate their trophy.

Messi was once again the key to it all. There were few signature moments in the match, and Callendar will certainly go down as the hero, but Messi has done it again. New team, same result: trophy in hand.

SARA
Source: www.ghanaweb.com

He has won a total of 44 major trophies since 2004, making him the most decorated footballer in history.

Throughout his career, Messi has won 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa Del Reys, four Champions League wins, and numerous other awards.

He has also led his national team, Argentina, to several victories, including the FIFA World Cup and the Copa America.

Messi's impressive skills and achievements have earned him seven FIFA Ballon d'Or awards, a record-breaking feat.

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.

He is also the all-time leading scorer in Europe's top five leagues, with 496 goals, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's record.

Title:

Content: Create

Lionel Messi overtakes incredible goalscoring record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi overtook a goalscoring record held by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentine is now the highest goalscorer in the history of Europe's top five leagues, scoring 496 times.

Messi netted in Paris Saint-Germain's 1-1 Ligue 1 draw at Strasbourg on Saturday (May 27) to achieve the record. He scored 474 goals for Barcelona in La Liga and now has 22 goals in Ligue 1 for the Parisians.

Leo Messi scores and becomes the all-time top scorer in the 5 major European leagues history. 496 goals. ✨🇦🇷 #Messi https://t.co/rLwHWNQ9Zd

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, scored 311 times in La Liga with Real Madrid, 103 in the Premier League with Manchester United and 81 in Serie with Juventus.

Courtesy of Lionel Messi's goal, PSG are on the cusp of winning the Ligue 1 title. The Argentine has scored 21 goals and provided 20 assists in 39 games across competitions this season.

What did La Liga president Javier Tebas say about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in Vinicius saga?

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has been racially abused by rival fans since his arrival in Spain. The Brazilian was constantly hurled at during Los Blancos' away clash against Valencia last weekend.

The player burst out on social media after the incident. La Liga president Javier Tebas has since tried to make a point to Vinicius. He took instances about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as well, claiming that both players were the subject of attack from fans the most.

Tebas said (via Madrid Zone):

“The great players like Ronaldo and Messi were the ones who received the most insults. For one, it was h*mophobic insults and for the other, it was intellectual disability. Messi and Cristiano were the ones who received the most insults; now it's Vinicius because he's a great player.”

The clash against Valencia was not the first time that Vinicius was the subject of racist attacks by fans. There have been several other instances as well. It's alarming how one of the best players in La Liga has been treated by fans.

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Edited by Bhargav

Messi's playing style is characterized by his exceptional technical skills, speed, and agility, which have been honed through years of dedication and hard work.

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Content: rus
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Society
Top five outstanding footballers who left a mark on history
Vladislav Moskalenko
UAportal has prepared a selection of outstanding players who have left an unforgettable mark in the history of football.
Learn about the most popular of them and their achievements in sports.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest footballers.
He spent most of his career at Barcelona, winning numerous awards, including the FIFA Ballon d'Or.
Exceptional gaming style secured him the status of a football icon.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The incredible athletics and skill of Cristiano Ronaldo made him the most famous figure in the world of football.
He has achieved success with several top clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, winning numerous awards and team trophies.
See also: Left school for a career: what else is known about Damiano David
Neymar
Neymar is a Brazilian football talent known for his brilliant skills, creativity and flair on the field.
He has played for top clubs such as Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and has established himself as a valuable player for his teams.
Kilian Mbappe
At a young age, Kilian Mbappe has already demonstrated great talent and skill on the football field.
As a key player in both Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, Mbappe has shown great potential and has already managed to achieve significant success at a young age, which makes him one of the most interesting people in the sport.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian playmaker known for his exceptional transmissions, vision and ability to influence the course of the game.
He was a key figure for both Manchester City and the Belgian national team.
De Bruyne ’ s versatility makes him a key figure in modern football.
Recall that many actors and singers decide on plastic surgery, because often for them it is a necessity.
We told how 7 famous men adjusted their appearance.
Want to get the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine - subscribe to our telegram channel!

He is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, known for his exceptional gaming style and ability to score crucial goals.

Messi's influence on the sport is undeniable, and he has inspired a generation of young footballers with his impressive skills and achievements.

He has been ranked the best player of the 2010s, and his records and awards are a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Title:

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.

Related
50 Best Goalkeepers of All Time Ranked From ‘Safe Hands’ to ‘Greatest Ever’
The 50 best goalkeepers of all time (male and female) have been ranked into six different categories.

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
Related
Brazil's 18 Greatest Ever Footballers (Ranked)
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.

Related
10 Greatest Croatian Players in Football History [Ranked]
Though its history remains young, Croatia have already built a reputation for producing some of Europe's most beguiling footballers.

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

Related
Ballon d'Or 2024 Power Rankings
After Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or win, the 2024 award is up for grabs.

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

Messi has scored over 700 goals in official matches, a feat that is unmatched by most footballers.

He has also made 234 assists in 517 appearances for Barcelona, demonstrating his exceptional ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Messi's records and achievements are not limited to his club career, as he has also led Argentina to several victories, including the Copa America.

Title:

Content: Lionel Messi, Argentina

The number one player on this list is obvious: the world’s biggest star, the game’s best talent for over 15 years now, and top three among the all-time greats. Messi’s dazzling skill for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain has earned four Champions Leagues, 11 domestic league titles across Spain and France, and a record seven Ballon D’Or trophies — soccer’s most famous player of the year award.

Last year, he finally lifted silverware with Argentina, delivering the country’s record-tying 15th Copa América. It was the nation’s first continental crown since 1993, and Messi was runner-up in 2007, 2015 and 2016. The last two came after a runner-up finish at the 2014 World Cup.

At age 35, Messi doesn’t have the speed he used to, but he has as much skill and guile as ever. And he has a stacked squad of Argentina teammates that complement him and bring their own firepower: Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Ángel Di María (Juventus), Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid), and a crown-jewel young prospect in Julián Álvarez (Manchester City).

They’re fired up, they’re hungry, and they’re on a 35-game winning streak dating back to 2019. If Argentina win it all, the triumph will be celebrated across the globe, and Messi will be enshrined above Pelé and Diego Maradona as the greatest of all time.

» READ MORE: Lionel Messi's Argentina beat Andre Blake's Jamaica in a World Cup warmup game

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

He’s Messi’s longtime foil, among fans worldwide and for years in Spain. When Ronaldo was at Real Madrid and Messi was at Barcelona, the world stopped for two hours.

The debate was also fueled by their national team feats. Ronaldo has five European Cups to Messi’s four, and for five years he had the national team trophy that Messi didn’t: the 2016 European Championship.

As with any great sports rivalry, fans of one of the players often disdain the other. But Ronaldo, it must be said, is rather more disdainable. Yes, he’s got an outrageous career goals total, with 701 club goals in 949 games and 117 national team goals in 191 caps. And he’s got a body that seems to have been sculpted by the Greek gods, not just the soccer gods.

He’s also got an ego to match, and it rubs a lot of people the wrong way. He isn’t afraid to throw a public tantrum, as he did just a few days ago about his lack of playing time at Manchester United. And he stood accused for over a decade of committing a rape in 2009 in Las Vegas. A lawsuit about it was dismissed this past June.

Ronaldo is 37 now. This will be his last World Cup. Will he go out with a swan song, or with another combustion?

» READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo played against the Union with Real Madrid in 2011

Kylian Mbappé, France

France’s 2018 World Cup title launched a then-19-year-old Mbappé to superstardom. He’s still there, as the flagship player for his country and its biggest club, Paris Saint-Germain. In fact, he’s such a big deal that French president Emmanuel Macron reportedly asked Mbappé to turn down a move to Real Madrid this summer.

We’ll never know if it truly helped, because PSG -- which is owned by Qatari royals -- had the money to keep Mbappé. The club also gave Mbappé a lot of power off the field, and he has used it to build his business interests.

Now comes a new challenge: lifting his country to a second straight World Cup. There hasn’t been a repeat men’s champion since Pelé's Brazil in 1958 and 1962. France has the talent to do it, but also has locker-room friction that Mbappé has been part of. And history brings an omen: Les Bleus crashed out in 2002 after winning it all in 1998.

Sadio Mané, Senegal

Only three African teams in men’s World Cup history have reached the quarterfinals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010. This year’s Senegal squad has the talent to match them, and potentially go a step farther.

Nine months after winning the Africa Cup of Nations, the Lions of Teranga arrive in Qatar full of talent and optimism. Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and centerback Kalidou Koulibaly are defensive rocks, while Bayern Munich’s Mané leads the attack.

Mané suffered a right fibula injury playing for Bayern on Nov. 8. He was named to the World Cup team, but he’s racing the clock to be fit. Whether he makes it is one of the tournament’s biggest on-field questions this week.

Bukayo Saka, England

England has its best chance in decades to win its first World Cup since 1966, and Saka is a big reason why. The 21-year-old from London is an electric winger for the Three Lions and Arsenal, and has one of both teams’ most engaging personalities.

Gavi, Spain

Just 18 years old, the Barcelona midfielder has jumped up the line of the world’s top young prospects. This year, he won two of Europe’s top awards for players under age 21: France Football’s Kopa Trophy (the same publication runs the Ballon D’Or), and the Golden Boy trophy organized by newspapers across the continent.

Gavi is already a regular player for his club and has 12 senior Spain caps. This World Cup could be his global breakout.

Jamal Musiala, Germany

Another of this World Cup’s big-time youngsters will face Gavi in the group stage. Musiala, 19, has rocketed to prominence with Bayern Munich and Germany this year. In just the half-season so far with Bayern, he has 12 goals and 10 assists in 22 games.

Not much is expected in Qatar of a German squad whose mix of ages isn’t quite right. But if Musiala takes off, he could take Die Mannschaft on a big run.

Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium

If you watch the English Premier League, you know that De Bruyne is the midfield maestro for powerhouse Manchester City. There are few more technically-gifted players on the planet, especially in his part of the field.

Four years ago, he helped the Red Devils to fourth place, the nation’s best World Cup finish. This year’s team has lots of talent, but De Bruyne is one of 11 players among the squad of 26 who’s age 30 or older. That’s a warning sign that a repeat run might not happen.

Vinícius Jr.

We’ve saved the best national team for last, or at least the world’s most famous one. No team has more World Cups than Brazil’s five, and the Seleçao are a big betting favorite to make it six this year. They have immense talent at every position, from defense up to the front line.

If you were expecting to see Neymar’s name here, that’s understandable. He’s Brazil’s biggest star of all, But Vinícius is a player you want to know about. He’s been ticketed for stardom since his childhood days in Rio de Janeiro, and he has lived up to the hype at Real Madrid.

Now age 22, he has 10 goals and 5 assists in 22 games this season, after scoring the winner in last season’s Champions League final. Many of his plays have gone straight onto highlight reels, accompanied by great dancing celebrations.

He has won a record seven Ballon D’Or trophies, and his exceptional skills and achievements have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest football players of all time.

Messi's playing style is also characterized by his exceptional speed and agility, which allow him to reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

Title:

Content: Lionel Messi, Argentina ’ s soccer god, is willing to fill the gap of his career with three gold medals and successfully lead the national team to win the World Cup, once again establishing the status of the world ’ s greatest football player.
As for Macy's private life is very mysterious, low-key he rarely exposed in the community, his achievements also caused scientists to wonder, competing to study 169 centimeters of him, what is hidden in the body of the huge magic.
The legendary six-time Golden Globe winner has scored twice in this World Cup final against France, and scored a winning goal in the PK World War. Lionel Messi, nicknamed "Little Flea", suffered from dwarfism from a childhood growth hormone deficiency and thrived on the patronage of his Barcelona scout Carles Rexach. Up to 169 cm.
However, due to its small size, low center of gravity, the upper and lower limbs have a good balance, so that he has the explosive pace and more stable strength to break away from the enemy.
Physicists have pointed out that people with a lower center of gravity are able to move quickly after their body is moved, just as they are pushed and can quickly stand firm, on the same principle as the weight of the bottom of a building.
Further explain why Messi is still standing when he has a physical collision with his opponent, getting rid of a larger player to tackle the ball, combining the advantages of balance and agility, and can make the opponent dazzle on the field.
At his peak, Messi was able to reach 20 miles per hour and became the top 15 fastest football player in history.
Craig Friedman, a sports performance expert, said that explosiveness and strength are necessary, and that your ankles, hips and torso should be strong enough to effectively transmit power to the ground.
In addition, Messi's diet is also strictly controlled, 5 nutrients such as water, olive oil, whole wheat, fruit, vegetables based, traditional Argentine dishes are mainly meat, which will cause players to consume more cholesterol and fat.
Therefore, following the "Mediterranean diet" is key, and a large number of studies have pointed out that high protein, low carbon water is good for health, maintaining muscle strength and maintaining weight, as well as prolonging life expectancy.
As long as it is "plum powder" knows that in the past, Messi often vomited on the sidelines of half of the game, and at first the outside world thought that he could not withstand the pressure, and later revealed in an interview that it was caused by improper eating.
At that time, Macy said: "I have not had good food for a long time, chocolate, carbonated drinks everything." Then was strictly required to "eat natural", now he will use the national tea Mate tea instead of drinks, away from all kinds of sugar, because this is very bad for the muscles.
What makes Lionel Messi the 'GOAT'?
The science behind the soccer phenom
# Argentina # Champion # Hercules Cup # God of the Ball # King of the Ball

He follows a strict Mediterranean diet, which consists of water, olive oil, and whole wheat, and is known for his explosive pace and strength.

Messi's small size, which is due to his suffering from dwarfism as a child, has actually become an advantage, as it gives him a low center of gravity and allows him to change direction quickly.

He is nicknamed "Little Flea" due to his exceptional speed and agility, and his ability to dodge opponents with ease.

In comparison to other top footballers, Messi's records and achievements are unmatched, and he is widely considered the number one football player in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who is often considered Messi's rival, has also achieved great success, but his records and achievements are not quite on the same level as Messi's.

Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards, and has scored 701 club goals, but Messi's exceptional skills and achievements have earned him a reputation as the number one football player in the world.

Kylian Mbappé, who is considered one of the most promising young footballers, has also achieved great success, but his records and achievements are not yet on the same level as Messi's.

Title:

Content: Highlights

  • Manchester City and Real Madrid are contenders in the upcoming Champions League, making for an exciting and intense competition.
  • Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are emerging as the new rivalry in European football, showcasing their goal-scoring skills.
  • The all-time top goal contributors in the Champions League include legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with Ronaldo earning the title of "Mr. Champions League."

Clear any plans on the upcoming Tuesday's and Wednesday's - Champions League football is finally back. Manchester City are looking to retain their status as champions, while Real Madrid will be looking to snatch the title back from them. It's certainly poised to be a nail-biter with.

The dangerous duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both vacated the European scene following the latter's summer switch to Inter Miami - a changing of the guard, if you will. Paris Saint-Germain talent Kylian Mbappé and Manchester City's Erling Haaland are poised to become the newfound rivalry as the two youngsters made the refined art of goalscoring look like second nature.

At the age of just 24, Mbappé has already broken into the top 20 of footballers with the most goals and assists combined in the Champions League since it was rebranded in 1992/93, whereas Haaland still has a work to do in order to reach the levels of the Frenchman having accrued just 39 goal involvements in his Champions League career thus far. So who is currently ahead of the former Monaco man in the standings you ask?

Well, that question and many others are answered in our 20-man list below of the players with the highest number of goal contributions in the Champions League era, with all the statistics sourced from the folks over at Transfermarkt.

20 Kaka - 55 (30 goals, 25 assists)

With 30 goals and a further 25 Champions League assists under his belt, Kaka – who predominantly played for European heavyweight duo Real Madrid and AC Milan – creeps into the top 20. There is one assist that sticks specifically springs to mind – his defence-splitting, pinpoint ball to Hernan Crespo in the 2005 Champions League final. Granted, the evening didn’t end in the Brazilian’s favour, but he did produce one of the best assists in the history of the competition.

19 Arjen Robben - 55 (31 goals, 24 assists)

Cut inside, left foot, top corner. That was Robben’s routine technique as he swarmed down the right-hand side of the pitch in the red of Bayern Munich. The Dutchman was inevitable and, unfortunately for opposing defenders, there was little you could do to stop it happening. Across four different clubs, the former Munich wide man recorded 31 goals and 24 assists.

18 Luis Figo - 59 (24 goals, 35 assists)

Best known for his acrimonious switch that crossed the El Clasico divide from Barcelona to Real Madrid, Figo was – more importantly – a phenomenal footballer. Not an out-and-out scorer by no means, but his Champions League longevity, highlighted by his 103 games in the competition, meant he had ample time to rack up 24 goals and 35 assists.

17 Mohamed Salah - 59 (44 goals, 15 assists)

Known for his repetitive potency in front of goal in the Premier League, the Liverpool ace has scored 44 goals and notched a further 15 assists for his teammates in the Champions League, too. He’s just one of those players that scores goal no matter what competition it’s in. Salah will be plying his trade in the Europa League this campaign, however, thanks to Liverpool’s subpar 2022/23 finish and will therefore have to wait to up his tally any further.

Mohamed Salah - Liverpool

Stats

Appearances

310

Goals

188

Assists

83

Yellow Cards

8

Stats according to Transfermarkt

16 Didier Drogba - 59 (44 goals, 15 assists)

A scorer of one of the most iconic Champions League goals of all time, his glanced header against Bayern Munich etched itself competition history as it caressed the roof of the net. That was not his only one in the European top tier, however, as he notched a further 43 across his three-club stint, while popping up with 15 assists along the way, too.

15 Ángel Di María - 61 (22 goals, 39 assists)

The now-Benfica man has been blessed to have lined up alongside both Messi and Ronaldo during his career, but his goalscoring exploits should not be overlooked, though it typically does. Especially seeing as – like a host of others on the list – he was primarily utilised on the wing; his 22 goals and 39 Champions League assists is very impressive.

Read More: The all-time Champions League table

14 Andriy Shevchenko - 64 (48 goals, 16 assists)

The Ukrainian centre-forward plundered a century of appearances in Europe’s biggest club competition during his playing career and picked up 64 goal involvements in that sequence. Best known for his clinical nature, 48 of his contributions were in the form of him hitting the back of the net. Textbook Shevchenko.

13 Alessandro Del Piero - 65 (42 goals, 23 assists)

An Old Lady asset through and through, the seasoned Italian was often Juventus’ shining light on those Champions League evenings. Del Piero, across 89 competition appearances, racked up 42 goals and turned his hand to assisting on 14 occasions, too.

12 Kylian Mbappé - 66 (40 goals, 26 assists)

Mbappé is already ahead of the likes of Rooney, Suarez, Aguero and Eto'o, which is seriously impressive for someone that is 24 years of age. At this rate, the PSG man is nailed on to become the sixth member of the 100-club, although it'll take something special from him to match either Messi or Ronaldo's superhuman-like numbers. Now, with the two Ballon d'Or hoarders plying their trade outside of Europe, the door has been left ajar for the coveted Frenchman.

11 Thierry Henry – 72 (50 goals, 22 assists)

Arguably the greatest striker in the history of the Premier League since its inception in 1992, Henry was a crucial part of everything that Arsenal achieved during their most successful period as a football club. It was at Barcelona, however, where the imperious marksman picked up his sole Champions League title – a competition where he scored 50 goals and provided an additional 22 assists for teammates.

10 Ryan Giggs - 74 (28 goals, 46 assists)

Having played the entirety of his career at Manchester United, the veteran Wales wide man enjoyed many seasons in the Champions League thanks to the Red Devils’ domestic prowess. During Giggs’ time at the Manchester-based outfit, he played 145 games in the competition and plundered 28 goals and 46 assists.

Champions League - Top 10 appearance makers of all time

Name

Appearances

Teams

Cristiano Ronaldo

183

Manchester United (59), Real Madrid (101), Juventus (23)

Iker Casilas

177

Real Madrid (150), Porto (27)

Lionel Messi

163

Barcelona (149), Paris Saint-Germain (14)

Karim Benzema

152

Lyon (19), Real Madrid (133)

Xavi Hernandez

151

Barcelona

Raul Gonzalez

142

Real Madrid (130), Schalke (12)

Thomas Müller

142

Bayern Munich

Ryan Giggs

141

Manchester United

Toni Kroos

139

Bayern Munich (41), Real Madrid (98)

Sergio Ramos

137

Real Madrid (129), Paris Saint-Germain (8)

All statistics per UEFA

9 Ruud van Nistelrooy – 74 (56 goals, 18 assists)

The Dutchman was a sharpshooter. Instinctive as they come, it's no surprise to see him boast a respectable ninth spot. Accruing 74 goal involvements in 73 games is no easy feat but van Nistelrooy made it look simple. Primarily for Manchester United and Real Madrid, the striker just oozed pure brilliance.

8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 77 (48 goals, 29 assists)

The charismatic centre-forward may never have won the prestigious trophy, but he certainly cemented himself as one of the best finishers and his numbers across his seven-club Champions League career highlight that. Ibrahimovic, now 41, will no doubt hope to aid AC Milan’s hunt for glory in 2023/24 and also build on his tally of 77 goal involvements.

7 Neymar – 79 (46 goals, 33 assists)

Unless he returns to Europe before pulling the curtains on his glittering career, Neymar’s record in the Champions League will end not increase from the 43 goals and 36 assists he managed while representing Barcelona and PSG. However, at just 31 years of age, there is every chance that Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer’s time playing in the coveted competition is far from done.

6 Thomas Muller – 85 (53 goals, 32 assists)

Perhaps a surprise inclusion so high up the list, Muller’s extensive stint on the biggest stage of football has allowed him to run up his record in front of goal to 53 goals and 32 assists. For much of his Bayern Munich career, he had Robert Lewandowski ahead of him to conclude attacking patterns of play and hence why his assist record is so impressive.

5 Raul – 103 (71 goals, 32 assists)

A Los Blancos icon, Raul donned the famous white strip of Madrid a grand total of 142 times in the Champions League. During that period, the forward notched 71 goals and 32 assists as he asserted himself as one of his club’s greatest ever talents.

4 Robert Lewandowski – 116 (91 goals, 25 assists)

The enigmatic Pole is gunning down on the top four of this list and is just four goal involvements shy of creeping in. During his respective stints at Bayern Munich and now Barcelona, Lewandowski has been held in high regard as one of the sport’s best performers in a goalscoring sense. Across 111 Champions League games, he has netted on 91 occasions and provided a further 25 assists.

3 Karim Benzema – 120 (90 goals, 30 assists)

Often overshadowed by Ronaldo, the Frenchman has ensured to show the world of football how clinical he was in front of goal. At 35 years old, Benzema made the decision to enjoy the riches of the Middle East and move to Al-Ittihad which may mean that his time in the Champions League is a thing of the past. At least we have his 90 goals and 30 assists to look back on in awe.

2 Lionel Messi – 174 (129 goals, 45 assists)

The 2023/24 Champions League season will – sadly - not be blessed with the presence of the diminutive Argentine seeing as he is exploring pastures new at Inter Miami. Despite playing 20 fewer games than Ronaldo, the pint-sized forward notched just 14 less goal contributions. If only he stayed for a couple of more years!

1 Cristiano Ronaldo – 188 (140 goals, 48 assists)

You don’t earn the moniker of ‘Mr. Champions League’ without scoring heaps and heaps of goals, do you? In his 183-game Champions League career, he has registered an emphatic return of 140 goals and 48 assists while plying his trade for three of Europe’s elite: Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He will undoubtedly go down in Champions League lore as its greatest ever goalscorer unless Mbappé or Haaland have other plans.

You can view the full 20-man table below.

Top 20 goal involvements in the Champions League - all-time

Position

Name

Games

Goals

Assists

Total

1

Cristiano Ronaldo

183

140

48

188

2

Lionel Messi

163

129

45

174

3

Karim Benzema

152

90

30

120

4

Robert Lewandowski

111

91

25

116

5

Raul

142

71

32

103

6

Thomas Müller

142

53

32

85

7

Neymar

81

43

36

79

8

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

124

48

29

77

9

Ruud van Nistelrooy

73

56

18

74

10

Ryan Giggs

145

28

46

74

11

Thierry Henry

112

50

22

72

12

Kylian Mbappé

61

40

26

66

13

Alessandro Del Piero

89

42

23

65

14

Andriy Shevchenko

100

48

16

64

15

Ángel Di María

102

22

39

61

16

Didier Drogba

92

44

15

59

17

Mohamed Salah

79

44

15

59

18

Luis Figo

103

24

35

59

19

Arjen Robben

110

31

24

55

20

Kaka

86

30

25

55

All statistics per Transfermarkt

Mbappé has scored 40 Champions League goals and has 26 assists at the age of 24, but Messi's exceptional skills and achievements have earned him a reputation as the number one football player in the world.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi is widely considered the number one football player in the world due to his impressive career achievements and exceptional playing style.

His records and achievements are unmatched, and he has inspired a generation of young footballers with his impressive skills and achievements.

Messi's influence on the sport is undeniable, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest football players of all time.