Lionel Messi is widely considered the number one football player in the world due to his unparalleled **career achievements**, unique **playing style**, profound **influence on the sport**, and statistical superiority over other top footballers.

Messi’s career began in Rosario, Argentina, and he joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy at age 13, making his first-team debut at 17 in 2004 .

At Barcelona, he scored 474 goals in 520 appearances and won 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 8 Spanish Super Cups .

After moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, he added 2 Ligue 1 titles and 32 goals in 58 appearances .

In 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami, leading them to a Leagues Cup victory—his 44th major title, equaling the record for the most decorated footballer in history .

Internationally, Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring seven goals and providing three assists, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player .

He also won the 2021 Copa América, Argentina’s first since 1993, and previously secured an Olympic Gold Medal in 2008 and the U20 World Cup in 2005 .

Messi holds a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, more than any other player, and has been named FIFA World Player of the Year and Best FIFA Men’s Player multiple times .

Messi’s **playing style** is defined by extraordinary dribbling, close ball control, and agility, enabled by his low center of gravity .

His vision and passing accuracy allow him to create scoring opportunities, while his goal-scoring prowess is demonstrated by over 700 goals for club and country as of 2021 .

He excels in free-kicks, long-range shots, and

Lionel Messi is widely considered the number one football player in the world due to his unparalleled **career achievements**, unique **playing style**, profound **influence on the sport**, and statistical superiority over other top footballers.

Messi’s career began in Rosario, Argentina, and he joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy at age 13, making his first-team debut at 17 in 2004 .

Title:

Content: Lionel Messi has thanked the Argentinian Football Association after they renamed the national team's training centre after him.

Messi, 35, led his country to victory at last year's World Cup. The forward was outstanding in Qatar, as he scored seven goals - including two in the final against France - and provided three assists. He also received the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

Argentina played their first game since the World Cup final on Thursday night, when they defeated Panama 2-0 in Buenos Aires. The friendly was viewed as a homecoming for Lionel Scaloni's side, with each player receiving a replica of the World Cup trophy.

Thursday night's game was also Messi's first in Argentina since the tournament in Qatar, as he plays his club football for Paris Saint-Germain in France. As such, the Argentinian Football Association were keen to show their gratitude to their skipper.

Messi was informed of his latest honour on Saturday and was clearly overwhelmed by it. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote on Instagram, "This recognition is one of the nicest I've ever received. A great honour, thank you very much."

Messi struggled to hold back the tears ahead of Argentina's game against Panama, as they were serenaded by thousands of fans inside El Monumental. The veteran responded by scoring a stunning free kick, with Thiago Almada also finding the net.

Is Lionel Messi the greatest footballer in history? Let us know in the comments below!

For a while, it seemed as if Messi was going to finish his career without a single international honour at senior level. The Paris Saint-Germain forward lost the 2007, 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals - as well as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.

Messi even retired from international football in 2016, such was his disappointment. Although he was persuaded to continue playing for Argentina later that year, a poor showing at the tournament in Russia in 2018 suggested his World Cup dream was over.

Yet the appointment of Scaloni as manager after that tournament, initially on an interim basis, brought new hope for Messi. Argentina won the Copa America in July 2021, the Finalissima in June 2022 and finally the World Cup five months later.

Argentina's World Cup triumph was dramatic. Messi's side stormed into a 2-0 lead before a late brace from Kylian Mbappe forced the game into extra time. After Messi restored Argentina's advantage, Mbappe scored from the spot to complete his hat-trick.

Thanks to the heroics of Emiliano Martinez, Argentina won on penalties to finally complete Messi's trophy cabinet. It also helped the skipper fulfil his prophecy as the rightful heir to Diego Maradona's throne in Argentina. Maradona sadly passed away in 2020.

Despite winning everything in the game, Messi is determined to continue playing for Argentina. Scaloni's side will defend their Copa America title in the summer of 2024, while Messi may even want to play in the next World Cup in three years' time. He will be 39 when the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico concludes.

At Barcelona, he scored 474 goals in 520 appearances and won 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 8 Spanish Super Cups .

Title:

Content: Lionel Messi, the incredible world record that he has just equaled

Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi.

He won the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami.

Thanks to the League Cup that he achieved this Saturday with the Inter Miami, Lionel Messi won his 44th title and equaled Daniel Alves as the footballer with the most trophies in history.

See also  Sergio Higuita finished eighth in the Tour of Poland

The Argentine genius only had his former Brazilian teammate at Barcelona ahead of him in this classification, who is now being judged in Spain for sexual assault.
(Lionel Messi: the great goal that led Inter Miami to the tiebreaker in the Leagues Cup)(Video: Lionel Messi, great detail with the former Inter Miami captain, how great!)

what you have won

But in less than a month at Inter Miami, Messi has radically transformed the dynamics of a losing team (bottom side in the MLS Eastern Conference with eleven games in a row without winning) and has led him to a miraculous career that culminated this Saturday with the victory in the Leagues Cup against Nashville (1-1, 9-10 on penalties).

There is some conflicting information about how many titles Alves actually has and some statistics consider him to have won 43.

However, the FIFAin a 2021 post on X (the old social network known as Twitter), recognized 44 titles in the right-back’s career.

Messi’s impressive track record includes the Qatar 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa América with Argentina, as well as four Champions League with Barcelona.
(Gerard Piqué, proud: Clara Chía, the ‘Sexy Symbol’ of fashion in Spain)

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Content: Filed under:

Lionel Messi is headed to MLS

It’s happening.

Lionel Messi, one of the most decorated players in world football history, is headed to Major League Soccer, a watershed moment for the 27-year-old league.

Messi, in a joint interview with Spain’s Mundo Deportivo and Sport, revealed that he would join Inter Miami CF after 2 seasons with Paris Saint-Germain. Inter Miami tweeted a hype video moments later ahead of its official announcement.

The 35-year-old spent his entire professional career with FC Barcelona before joining the French superpower. With Barcelona, he scored 474 times over 520 appearances, winning La Liga 10 times and the UEFA Champions League 4 times. He also won the Ballon d’Or 6 times.

Messi then made his way to PSG, with whom he won Ligue 1 twice while adding a 7th Ballon d’Or. He combined for 32 goals in 58 appearances for the Parisian side.

His crowning achievement, though, came in the winter, when he won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, La Albiceleste’s first world championship triumph since 1986.

Messi’s decision easily surpasses that of another high-profile player to ply his trade in North America. Sixteen years ago, David Beckham sent shockwaves through the sport as he signed for the LA Galaxy after spells at both Manchester United and Real Madrid. As a result, MLS created the Designated Player rule (aka the “Beckham rule”) to provide a pathway for higher-profile players to sign for clubs with only a portion of their annual salary counting toward the cap. Beckham, of course, is a part-owner of Inter Miami, along with brothers Jorge and Jose Mas.

Now, all eyes will be on Messi as he makes his own stateside move to South Florida, one that has massive implications for MLS on a global scale.

After moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, he added 2 Ligue 1 titles and 32 goals in 58 appearances .

In 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami, leading them to a Leagues Cup victory—his 44th major title, equaling the record for the most decorated footballer in history .

Title:

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

Internationally, Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring seven goals and providing three assists, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player .

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.

Title:

Content: How Tall Is Lionel Messi?

News

Lionel Messi: The Height of Greatness

Introduction
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football sensation, has captivated the world with his extraordinary skills and mesmerizing performances on the field. As fans and admirers continue to marvel at his talent, one question that often arises is, “How tall is Lionel Messi?” In this article, we delve into the height of this football icon and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

How Tall Is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi stands at a height of 1.70 meters, which is approximately 5 feet 7 inches. Despite his relatively modest stature compared to some of his towering opponents, Messi has proven time and again that height is no barrier to success in the world of football. His agility, speed, and exceptional ball control have allowed him to outmaneuver and outshine many taller players.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Messi’s height affect his performance on the field?
A: Not at all. Messi’s height has never hindered his ability to dominate matches. In fact, his low center of gravity and quick acceleration give him a significant advantage, enabling him to change direction swiftly and leave defenders in his wake.

Q: How does Messi compare to other footballers in terms of height?
A: While Messi may be shorter than some of his contemporaries, his impact on the game is immeasurable. His exceptional skills and achievements have solidified his place among the greatest footballers of all time, regardless of height.

Q: Are there any advantages to being shorter in football?
A: Absolutely. Being shorter can provide players with enhanced agility, balance, and speed. It allows them to maneuver through tight spaces, maintain better control of the ball, and evade tackles more effectively.

Q: Has Messi’s height ever been a subject of criticism?
A: Occasionally, critics have pointed out Messi’s height as a potential weakness. However, time and again, he has proven them wrong consistently delivering outstanding performances and achieving remarkable success at both the club and international levels.

Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s height may be modest, but his impact on the world of football is immeasurable. Standing at 1.70 meters, he has shattered the notion that height is a determining factor in achieving greatness on the field. Messi’s exceptional skills, determination, and unwavering passion for the game have made him an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide, proving that true greatness knows no bounds.

He also won the 2021 Copa América, Argentina’s first since 1993, and previously secured an Olympic Gold Medal in 2008 and the U20 World Cup in 2005 .

Title:

Content: Most MVP awards in major sports: How Lionel Messi Ballon d'Or wins compares with NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL

(SN/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi's status as a sporting great was cemented long before he was installed as the favourite for this year's Ballon d'Or and named in the running for the MLS MVP (Most Valuable Player) award.

Beyond the binary choice many believe there is between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest 21st-century footballer, there is a more complicated debate to be had around the Argentina captain's achievements among the greatest of all time from any sport.

Messi could become the MVP in the US for the first time if he does so with Inter Miami. He's already won world football's equivalent honour more often than any other player, and October 30 could see him lift the prize for the eighth time.

So, how does Messi's Ballon d'Or tally stack up against the most frequent MVPs of NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB? The Sporting News takes a look at the numbers.

Lionel Messi Ballon d'Or wins: How often has he been football's MVP?

Messi is the most successful player in Ballon d'Or history, winning the most prestigious individual honour in world football seven titles between 2009 and 2021. Ronaldo has won it five times.

Six of Messi's Ballon d'Or title wins came as a Barcelona player. His 2021 win came after he joined Paris Saint-Germain.

Here are his finishes in the vote.

1st Place 2nd Place  3rd Place
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 2007

How many times has Messi been MVP in the domestic game?

The club MVP award Messi has won is the La Liga Best Player award, which he won nine times while playing for Barcelona in the Spanish top flight.

The award was only first distributed in 2009 — Messi made his Barca debut six years earlier — and was known as the MVP award from the 2016/17 season.

He also won the Copa America Best Player award in 2015 and 2021, recognising him as the star of the South American international football competition, which Argentina won in the latter of those years. He was also named the best player at the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

Messi was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009 and the Best FIFA Men's Player honour in 2019 and 2022.

Here's when Messi was the MVP in domestic competition.

  • 2008–09
  • 2009–10
  • 2010–11
  • 2011–12
  • 2012–13
  • 2014–15
  • 2016–17
  • 2017–18
  • 2018–19

MORE: Ballon d'Or 2023 nominees

Who has been MVP most in NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL?

In the NBA, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was named MVP six times between 1971 and 1980, three each with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Bill Russell, of the Boston Celtics, was one behind with five between 1958 and 1965, and Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan matched Russell's tally between 1988 and 1998.

LeBron James is the nearest modern player to Abdul-Jabbar's astonishing total, winning MVP twice each with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat between 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013.

Quarterback Peyton Manning remains the player with the most NFL MVP titles, winning it with the Indiana Colts in 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009, and Denver Broncos in 2013 to make five in total.

(Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers — now a veteran with the New York Jets — is one behind thanks to his achievements with the Green Bay Packers between 2011 and 2021, while Tom Brady is one of four players to have won it three times.

In baseball, left fielder Barry Bonds is the runaway record-holder with seven MVP awards between 1990 and 2004.

Bonds won the award twice with the Pittsburgh Pirates and five times with the San Francisco Giants, and his run of four consecutive victories between 2001 and 2004 puts him four ahead of any other player.

They're a distant second in the totals, but three players have picked up a hat-trick of wins: Mike Trout between 2014 and 2019, Albert Pujols between 2005 and 2009, and Alex Rodriguez from 2003 to 2007.

The Hart Memorial Trophy in hockey's NHL has been dominated by Wayne Gretzky, who was named MVP eight times with the Edmonton Oilers and once with the Los Angeles Kings between 1980 and 1989.

Gretzky's extraordinary run of brilliance meant he won the trophy every year during the 1980s except 1988 and is three ahead of Gordie Howe, the winner six times with the Detroit Red Wings between 1952 and 1963.

Eddie Shore is outright third in the running with four MVP titles for the Boston Bruins during the 1930s. Two modern players are among those to have won it three times: Alexander Ovechkin with the Washington Capitals between 2008 and 2013, and Connor McDavid with the Oilers from 2017 to 2023.

If we take the Ballon d'Or as a comparable award to those MVP prizes, Messi needs one more to move outright second in our list, and two to draw level with 'The Great One'.

Player Sport MVP awards
Wayne Gretzky Hockey 9
Lionel Messi Football/soccer 7
Barry Bonds Baseball 7
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Basketball 6
Peyton Manning American football 5

Will Messi be the MLS MVP for 2023?

Despite only having played six games in the league at the time, Messi was one of 30 candidates drawn up in October 2023 for the MVP award after being nominated by Inter Miami.

The prolific forward, who helped Miami win the Leagues Cup but missed out on the playoffs with his new club, did not make the shortlist. FC Cincinnati's Luciano Acosta, Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga of LAFC, and Atlanta's Thiago Almada — a compatriot of Messi — make up the final three.

Messi could, however, win the Newcomer of the Year award, in which he is competing with St Louis City midfielder Eduard Lowen and Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Who has won the most Ballon d'Or awards?

Rank Player Ballon d'Or
wins
Years won
1. Lionel Messi 7 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2015, 2019, 2021
2. Cristiano Ronaldo 5 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016,
2017
3. Michel Platini 3 1983, 1984, 1985
  Johan Cruyff 3 1971, 1973, 1974
  Marco van Basten 3 1988, 1989, 1992
6. Franz Beckenbauer 2 1972, 1976
  Ronaldo 2 1997, 2002
  Alfredo Di Stefano 2 1957, 1959
  Kevin Keegan 2 1978, 1979
  Karl-Heinz Rummenigge 2 1980, 1981
Author(s)

Ben Miller is a content producer for The Sporting News.

Title:

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.

Quick Links

Edited by Ankush Das

Messi holds a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, more than any other player, and has been named FIFA World Player of the Year and Best FIFA Men’s Player multiple times .

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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.

Messi’s **playing style** is defined by extraordinary dribbling, close ball control, and agility, enabled by his low center of gravity .

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Lionel Messi replicates exactly Diego Maradona pose as Argentina captain held aloft by hundreds after winning World Cup

LIONEL Messi replicated Diego Maradona's pose from 1986 as Argentina finally lifted the World Cup again after a 36-year wait.

Messi drove his country on throughout the tournament and was instrumental in the dramatic final win over France.

The victory sparked mass celebrations in which Messi was lifted above the rest of his team-mates while holding the trophy in the air.

Maradona, who was the star of the World Cup in Mexixo 36 years ago, also held the trophy aloft with the rest of the squad around him when he got his hands on the trophy.

Messi scored seven goals and assisted a further three on La Albiceleste's way to glory in Qatar.

Maradona was just as influential during Mexico '86, getting five goals and five assists.

Both, of course, won the player of the tournament accolade.

Messi was pipped to the Golden Boot by Kylian Mbappe, while Maradona was beaten to the individual trophy by England's Gary Lineker, who netted six.

Messi has long been compared with Maradona, with critics claiming the PSG star hadn't won the World Cup like the man who passed away aged 60 in 2020.

But now, Messi has achieved greatness and on his accomplishment he said: "It’s simply unbelievable. I knew that God was going to give me the Cup, I was sure — it was a big joy for us.

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“I had this big dream for a long time, I wanted to close my career with the World Cup. I can’t ask for more than this."

Messi was expected to retire from international duty as he confirmed before the clash with France that it would be his last World Cup game, but he has now hinted at defending his crown in 2026.

He already has the record for most goals scored by one player at World Cups with 13, overtaking Brazil icon Pele.

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His vision and passing accuracy allow him to create scoring opportunities, while his goal-scoring prowess is demonstrated by over 700 goals for club and country as of 2021 .

He excels in free-kicks, long-range shots, and