After winning the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/qatar-2022">Qatar 2022 World Cup</a> with Argentina, Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or surpassing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe">Kylian Mbappe</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erling-haaland">Erling Haaland</a> in the final vote. This individual award was the crowning achievement for a dream year.



Now, Messi has a significant lead in the list of top winners of the award given by France Football magazine. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> is in second place with 5, followed by Michael Platini (3), Johan Cruyff (3) and Marco van Basten (3).



A few weeks after the gala in Paris, Wesley Sneijder has sparked a new controversy by stating that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> should not have won the 2010 Ballon d’Or. 



On that occasion, the Dutchman wasn’t even among the top three finalists, given the spectacular year of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. That was remarkable considering Sneijder won the treble with Inter Milan and led the Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231202_BUS_89406_Lionel-Messi-28-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi with his eighth Ballon d&apos;Or award in 2023" class="wp-image-83425" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-28-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-28-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-28-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-28-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-28.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi with his eighth Ballon d’Or award in 2023 (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Wesley Sneijder: Lionel Messi should not have won the 2010 Ballon d’Or</h2>



Even though Sneijder ended 2010 with the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia, he finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or voting. Messi claimed the award for the second consecutive time with Andres Iniesta and Xavi completing the podium. These were Wesley’s recent words during an interview with AlHayah TV.


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“It was a bit unfair that I wasn’t crowned with the 2010 Ballon d’Or and Messi won it. Although I’m not the type of person to cry over it, the Ballon d’Or is an individual award and what I prefer is winning collective trophies. If I had to choose between the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, I would choose the Champions League I achieved. I am very happy with that title.”







<h2>Did Lionel Messi deserve to win the 2010 Ballon d’Or?</h2>



Lionel Messi won the 2010 Ballon d’Or with 22.67% of the votes. Andres Iniesta had 17.36% and Xavi 16.48%. Wesley Sneijder finished fourth (14.48%) and Diego Forlan in fifth place (7.61%).



Certainly, the decision generated a lot of controversy because, in a World Cup year, experts believed that a player who won in South Africa should have taken home the award. Just as it happened in 2023 with Messi.


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In that year, the most significant collective title for Messi was La Liga in Spain, while Xavi and Iniesta had the World Cup. On the other hand, Wesley Sneijder had achieved the historic treble with Inter Milan.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="656b67edf2b571abd7e4a887" data-title="Who should have won the 2010 Ballon d\&apos;Or?" data-options="4"></div>

Wesley Sneijder takes a shot at Lionel Messi for Ballon d'Or controversy

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Wesley Sneijder takes a shot at Lionel Messi for Ballon d'Or controversy - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Cristiano Ronaldo surprised millions of fans when he decided to sign with Al Nassr after the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/qatar-2022">Qatar 2022 World Cup</a>. The economic offer from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-arabia">Saudi Arabia</a> was almost impossible to turn down, and the Portuguese star chose to initiate a soccer revolution in that country.



In his debut season, the legend couldn’t lift a single trophy despite all the expectations surrounding him. Al Nassr finished second in the Saudi Pro League behind Al Ittihad and were eliminated early in other tournaments such as the King Cup and the Saudi Super Cup.



After that failure, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> is trying to turn things around in the 2023-2024 campaign. Al Nassr have already qualified for the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League, and in the Saudi Pro League, they were just four points behind the leaders, Al Hilal.



This Friday, both teams faced each other at the King Fahd Stadium. CR7 and Al Nassr suffered a tough 3-0 loss amid a lot of refereeing controversy. Therefore, when fans started chanting the name of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, Cristiano’s reaction became a trending topic on social media.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Cristiano Ronaldo blowing kisses to Al-Hilal fans chanting ‘Messi’ at half-time 😘 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/SPL_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SPL_EN</a>) <a href="https://t.co/cSDGsoKxF1">pic.twitter.com/cSDGsoKxF1</a>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1730690316603187537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo is confronted by Al Hilal fans with chants of Lionel Messi</h2>



The Matchday 15 fixture in the Saudi Pro League was crucial for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr, as a victory would have left them just one point behind Al Hilal in the title race. However, they are now trailing by seven points after the setback.







Certainly, despite being two veterans, everything CR7 and Lionel Messi do continues to be compared. The Portuguese star is under tremendous pressure, especially after the Argentine won the World Cup and his eighth Ballon d’Or.


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Hence, during his time in Saudi Arabia, fans of rival teams have found Messi to be the key factor in unsettling Cristiano. The incident in the match against Al Hilal was just another example of this.



<h2>What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr?</h2>



After the loss to Al Hilal, the Al Nassr’s 20-match unbeaten streak came to an end. However, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates still have a long journey ahead with 19 games left to overcome the deficit in the Saudi Pro League.



Furthermore, the AFC Champions League would be the major title of the season for CR7. Currently, Al Nassr are already qualified for the Round of 16 after winning Group E against Persepolis, Al Duhail, and Istiklol.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231202_BUS_89367_cristianoronaldo-1-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo was confronted by fans of Al Hilal" class="wp-image-63814" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/cristianoronaldo-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/cristianoronaldo-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/cristianoronaldo-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/cristianoronaldo-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/cristianoronaldo-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo was confronted by fans of Al Hilal (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored in his career?</h2>



Cristiano Ronaldo&nbsp;has scored&nbsp;867 goals&nbsp;in his professional career. Now, even with age as a key factor, the Portuguese star revealed there’s a new challenge for him ahead: 1000 goals.



“It’s going to be quite challenging, but it’s about assessing my mental state and motivation. If, physically, my legs treat me as well as I treat them…we’ll see. It’s a step-by-step process. Before reaching 1 000, you have to reach 900 first. I believe I’ll achieve it.”


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Video: Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction after Al Hilal fans dedicated him chants of Lionel Messi

US Navy veterans are furious with the bodyguard of Lionel Messi

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction after Al Hilal fans dedicated him chants of Lionel Messi - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/qatar-2022">Qatar 2022</a> will be hard to forget for the soccer community, as it saw <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> win a long-awaited World Cup with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a>. La Albiceleste’s road to the title was full of memorable moments, including the quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands.



That game will probably go down as one of the most heated matches in tournament history. Not only because of the 14 yellow cards shown by Mateu Lahoz, but also because of the heated exchanges between the teams before and after the game. Dutch manager Louis van Gaal made some comments that didn’t sit well with Messi, who celebrated Argentina’s second goal in front of the Netherlands bench.



“I came up with the ‘Topo Gigio’ [named in honor of a cartoon character, a goal celebration in which a player puts his hands to the ears as a sign of defying someone] right there and I automatically regretted it,” Messi told ESPN. “As soon as I did it I thought: ‘What an idiot. They can still tie it’. These things usually happen.”



<h2>How van Gaal made Messi, Argentina angry before the Qatar 2022 quarterfinal</h2>



Before the game, van Gaal made some controversial remarks about Argentina, claiming Messi has a passive attitude when his team doesn’t have possession. Besides, the former Oranje coach also said Leo didn’t touch the ball when his country faced La Albiceleste in the 2014 World Cup semifinals.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231201_BUS_89191_Messi-against-Van-Gaal-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi doing the &apos;Topo Gigio&apos; celebration against the Netherlands at Qatar 2022." class="wp-image-89230" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Messi-against-Van-Gaal-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Messi-against-Van-Gaal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Messi-against-Van-Gaal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Messi-against-Van-Gaal-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Messi-against-Van-Gaal.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi doing the ‘Topo Gigio’ celebration against the Netherlands at Qatar 2022.</figcaption></figure>



“The matter against the Netherlands was a little similar to what happened <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-says-he-and-robert-lewandowski-made-amends-after-the-world-cup-20231201-BUS-89155.html">with Lewandowski</a>. It bothers me when people talk off the field and disrespect the opponent. Before the game, I didn’t try to make Van Gaal angry, I didn’t disrespect him, I never did that, and I don’t like them to do that to me. I think Van Gaal did it with intention and their goalkeeper also spoke before the match. I don’t like these things at all. I’ve never been like this. On the field a million things can happen but it has to stay on the field.“


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The Dutchman’s comments definitely backfired, as they served as bulletin board material for Messi and company. Angel Di Maria, who already held a grudge at van Gaal from his time at Manchester United, explained they were fired up by his words.



“It all started at the press conference. We were left with a lot of anger and energy inside that ended up being unleashed on the field,” said the Benfica star, who had previously called van Gaal the “worst coach” in his career.



<h2>Van Gaal says World Cup was rigged for Messi to win it with Argentina</h2>



The animosity between Argentina and the Netherlands went on even after the penalty shootout, with Messi having an infamous <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar2022/Wout-Weghorst-on-his-World-Cup-spat-with-Lionel-Messi-At-least-I-did-something-right-20221222-0015.html">argument with Wout Weghorst</a>. He also called out van Gaal in his post-match interview, “Louis van Gaal says that his teams play good soccer, but all he did was put tall people and spam long balls.”



Van Gaal eventually left his post to let Ronald Koeman take over, but he couldn’t let go. Months after the quarterfinal, the Dutch manager suggested the World Cup was fixed for Argentina.


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“When you see how Argentina get the goals and how we get the goals and how some Argentine players crossed the line and were not penalized, I think it was all a premeditated game. Messi had to become world champion,” van Gaal told NOS.



Virgil van Dijk, Koeman and other prominent figures in Dutch soccer took distance from van Gaal’s accusations. But the coach’s stance against Argentina looks beyond repair.

Messi reveals he immediately regretted his goal celebration against van Gaal

Lionel Messi immediately regretted goal celebration at van Gaal in 2022 World Cup - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a>’s time in the sport is coming to an end, it might reach 2025 or it could end in 2026. Messi has no set date, what <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argentine’</a>s and world soccer fans want to know is if the World champion will make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.



What is known is Messi will play in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Major League Soccer</a> at least until the end of 2025, and with Argentina until the 2024 Copa America. Then it could be the long curtain call for the greatest soccer player of all time.



In speaking with Star+ the 36-year-old mentioned that while he is no longer playing in a top league Messi is still focused on the objectives at hand, and right now it’s the Copa America with Argentina in 2024.



<h2>Messi on 2024 objectives</h2>



“I am aware that I went to a lesser league, but as long as I feel that I am good, and I can continue contributing things I will do it. Today the only thing I think about is getting to the Copa América well and hopefully being able to fight for it again…” 


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Messi stated when referring to his current state, while Messi is not throwing mud at MLS it is clear that he is not playing in one of the top leagues in the world, where Messi is used to playing.



“Time will tell if I am or not, it is a reality that I am going to arrive at an age that is not normally enough to play in a World Cup… It seemed that after Qatar everything was over and I was retiring (from the national team), but today the opposite is true, I want to be here more than ever. After spending so many years suffering, today that we are experiencing a special moment that I have never experienced before, I want to enjoy it.”



Messi had a lot of ups and downs with the Argentine national team, even retiring from the squad after the 2016 Copa America, but he was convinced to return by his family and fans.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231201_BUS_89170_Messi-at-Maracana-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts as the match is delayed due to incidents in the stands prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil." class="wp-image-87074" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Messi-at-Maracana-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Messi-at-Maracana-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Messi-at-Maracana-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Messi-at-Maracana-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Messi-at-Maracana.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts as the match is delayed due to incidents in the stands prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.</figcaption></figure>



“There is a very united, very healthy group and I want to take advantage of it, without thinking about 2, 3 years, which in football is a lot. I’m not thinking about the World Cup, nor do I say 100% that I won’t be there because anything can happen…”



<h2>What’s next for Lionel Messi</h2>



2024 will be a big year for Messi, at the club level Inter Miami is hoping to build a squad where the club can win MLS Cup and even a continental title, the club’s objective is to win everything they can. 


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Messi is expected to lead many stats in MLS next season, in the summer Argentina will defend their Copa America title, and most likely in 2024 lock up World Cup 2026 qualification for which they are well on their way.

Lionel Messi: ‘I know I went to a lesser league” in regard to MLS

Lionel Messi: ‘I know I went to a lesser league” in regard to MLS - Bolavip US

The 2022 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> group stage draw set up a highly anticipated meeting between Argentina and Poland. The biggest storyline about that game had to do with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> facing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/robert-lewandowski">Robert Lewandowski</a> following a controversial situation related to the 2021 Ballon d’Or.



“Lewandowski’s statements bothered me because when I won the Ballon d’Or I said what I really felt, but for him to speak like that bothered me,” Messi told ESPN. “I ignored him during the game because it was him and I was angry and thought he shouldn’t have said what he said. I was very angry. If I was deliberately dribbling because it was him? Yes.”



Though Messi played with a chip on his shoulder throughout the entire World Cup, that day in particular he looked completely determined to win. But his competitiveness became even more clear whenever he had Lewandowski close to him.



Messi looked for the striker to dribble past him, refusing to shake Lewandowski’s hand when the Pole apologized for making a foul on him. But the pair eventually made amends, especially after Robert joined Leo’s former team.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231201_BUS_89155_Lewandowski-and-Messi-3-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo talk to Robert Lewandowski at the 2023 Laureus World Sport Awards Paris red carpet at Cour Vendome on May 08, 2023 in Paris, France." class="wp-image-89167" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo talk to Robert Lewandowski at the 2023 Laureus World Sport Awards Paris red carpet at Cour Vendome on May 08, 2023 in Paris, France.</figcaption></figure>



“After that we met, talked and agreed that it was a misunderstanding. He was upset because what he said didn’t fully match with what was on the internet. Then he went to Barcelona and we talked about many things about the club, the city and everything,” Messi added.


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<h2>The reason Messi was angry at Lewandowski</h2>



Leo star got the upper hand over the Pole striker in the 2021 Ballon d’Or vote, but in his acceptance speech he said Lewy should’ve already won the award by then. Lewandowski had a fantastic year in 2020, when the prize was canceled due to the pandemic.



However, the former Bayern Munich superstar later made headlines for apparently <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/2021-ballon-dor-robert-lewandowski-breaks-silence-takes-shot-at-lionel-messi-20211206-0021.html">doubting the sincerity</a> behind Messi’s words in an interview with a Pole outlet. When the Spanish press translated his quotes, it seemed that Lewandowski said he hoped Messi’s comments were “sincere” and not just “empty words.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231201_BUS_89155_Lewandowski-and-Messi-2-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi is embraced by Robert Lewandowski during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Poland and Argentina." class="wp-image-89166" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/Lewandowski-and-Messi-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi is embraced by Robert Lewandowski during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Poland and Argentina.</figcaption></figure>



The striker <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/2021-ballon-dor-robert-lewandowski-clarifies-his-comments-on-lionel-messi-20211207-0012.html">then claimed</a> his words were taken out of context, and that he really appreciated what Messi said in the Ballon d’Or gala. However, that didn’t stop the Argentine star from getting angry at Lewandowski, and he showed that at Qatar 2022.



“He (Lewandowski) can say whatever he wants. I’m not interested. By heart, I said that he deserved the Ballon d’Or before, because the year before, I thought he was the best, but he was not the best the year I won it,” Messi told TyC Sports before the World Cup.

Lionel Messi admits he was "very angry" at Robert Lewandowski

Lionel Messi admits he was "very angry" at Robert Lewandowski over Ballon d'Or situation - Bolavip US

Lionel Messi says he and Robert Lewandowski made amends after the World Cup

destacadas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rodrygo">Rodrygo Goes</a>, the rising star of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a>, is in the middle of a big controversy with Lionel Messi after a fight with the legend and Rodrigo De Paul during the match between Brazil and Argentina as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 



Minutes before the start of the game, Argentine fans were brutally attacked by the Brazilian police at Maracana Stadium. As a consequence, Messi and Rodrygo intervened.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> gave an order to his teammates and asked all of them to leave the field. They went straight to the locker room until the police stopped beating fans and security was guaranteed. However, Rodrygo saw this as an evasive action and, according to many reports, supposedly called them cowards. 



Now, for the first time since the incidents, Rodrygo had to face the press and was asked specifically about what happened in the match with Messi considering the star grabbed him by the neck and yelled at him.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231130_BUS_88880_rodrygo-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Rodrygo sparked a big controversy with Lionel Messi" class="wp-image-88185" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/rodrygo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/rodrygo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/rodrygo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/rodrygo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/rodrygo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Rodrygo was part of a huge altercation with Lionel Messi (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Rodrygo speaks for the first time about the fight with Lionel Messi</h2>



According to a video posted by Fox Sports, Lionel Messi had a huge answer for Rodrygo prior to the match. “We are world champions. Why are we cowards? Keep your mouth shut. Watch your mouth, kid.”







This Wednesday, after the Champions League game between Real Madrid and Napoli at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Rodrygo was questioned about all the controversy with Messi and this was his answer. “I can’t talk about this.”


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At that moment, reporters asked Rodrygo why he couldn’t talk about the issue. “Real Madrid doesn’t allow me, right?”, was the explanation by the player while laughing and looking to a member of the club’s staff. In that moment, the person took him away from the microphones and cameras. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231130_BUS_88880_lionelmessi-5-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi" class="wp-image-64144" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/lionelmessi-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/lionelmessi-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/lionelmessi-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/lionelmessi-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/lionelmessi-5.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi was part of a huge altercation with Rodrygo (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Rodrygo’s dad also attacked Lionel Messi on social media</h2>



When it seemed that no one else could add fuel to the controversy between&nbsp;Lionel Messi&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rodrygo Goes, the father of the Brazilian player ignited Instagram with a harsh message against Leo.



“The ‘saint’ who doesn’t get into trouble with anyone… Seriously, is anyone surprised?”&nbsp;were the words of Rodrygo’s father as a story, along with images of the clashes between the captain of the Argentine national team and the Real Madrid forward.


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Rodrygo cannot talk about the fight with Lionel Messi by order of Real Madrid

Rodrygo takes a shot at Lionel Messi while praising Cristiano Ronaldo

Rodrygo cannot talk about the fight with Lionel Messi by order of Real Madrid - Bolavip US

Real Madrid forbids Rodrygo from talking about Lionel Messi

CBS Sports coverage of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/champions-league" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champions League</a> is to be commended, with a great panel that features Clint Dempsey, Thierry Henry, Charlie Davies, the ever-funny Micah Richards, and the great hosting duties of Kate Abdo. 



But one panel member, who has great insight, has now become infamous and that is former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. According to Abdo, CBS Sports once <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi </a>signed and began playing with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Miami</a>, extended an invitation to join the panel, but the World Cup winner refused. 



According to Abdo, Messi stated he would “not be on a show that Jamie Carragher is on.” The reason why stems from January 2022 when Carragher was very critical of PSG, it irritated Messi so much the Argentine or his people actually DMed Carragher.



<h2>Why did Lionel Messi DM Jamie Carragher? </h2>


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Jamie Carragher stated that PSG could not win the Champions League with Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé playing together, according to the former England international a few weeks later he saw his phone and got a direct message from Messi. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">“I got a message and I was like ‘that can’t be him…’”<a href="https://twitter.com/Carra23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Carra23</a> reveals why Lionel Messi was in his DMs? 😂 👀 <a href="https://t.co/Mx15V5bGBp">pic.twitter.com/Mx15V5bGBp</a>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1704564787936457173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Messi responded “burro” which in Argentine dialect means “moron” or “idiot”, Carragher at the time stated, “Is it Spanish that they speak, Argentinians? I’m just going to say the word he called me, I don’t understand, a ‘burro’. What does that mean?” 



<h2>Messi’s response to CBS Sports </h2>



While covering the day’s Champions League matches Abdo stated, “You know we made an official invitation extended to Inter Miami, and we asked him to come on the show. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Jamie Carragher on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: “There was never a discussion and Ronaldo was not close in any way to Messi. Ronaldo is one of the greatest goalscorers in history, but Messi is the greatest player in history.” <a href="https://t.co/piwjXx1etd">pic.twitter.com/piwjXx1etd</a>— MC (@CrewsMat10) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrewsMat10/status/1730011576214626342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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“Do you know what the official response was? Apparently, Lionel Messi will not be doing any television shows that Jamie Carragher is a part of.” 



As the panel laughed Carragher opened up about the famed DM, “From the man himself. I will not be showing private messages, but he basically called me a donkey.” 


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“I was coming home from a game, I got a message and was like ‘that can’t be him, must be a fake account’. Then I looked and it came from (Messi) and he told me his opinion. I had to Google and translate (the message) because I didn’t have a clue what he sent me. “I just said ‘thanks for your opinion’. The next night he was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner, so I replied saying ‘congratulations’. He saw the message and didn’t reply.”



Carragher has been a long time pundit since hanging up his boots, he has had some wild takes, but his biggest claim to fame might just be that Lionel Messi DMed him and later ghosted him.

Lionel Messi refused to go on panel show because of one former Liverpool defender

Lionel Messi refused to go on panel show because of one former Liverpool defender - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> has made an immediate impact in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls">MLS</a> from the moment he joined <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a>, giving the league unprecedented visibility. However, he didn’t get to play enough games to take center stage in the end of season awards.



The Argentine superstar finished second in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-misses-out-on-2023-mls-newcomer-of-the-year-award-by-13-of-the-vote-20231103-BUS-82831.html">Newcomer of the Year</a> category, but he didn’t even make the MVP conversation. It makes sense, since Leo only played six games in the regular season, with one goal and two assists. Therefore, it wasn’t exactly a surprise not to find him in the 2023 MLS Best XI. 



The best team of the season is made up by Roman Burki (St. Louis City), Matt Miazga (Cincinnati), Tim Parker (St. Louis City), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville), Luciano Acosta (Cincinnati), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville), ‘Cucho’ Hernandez (Columbus Crew), Denis Bouanga (Los Ángeles FC), and Giorgos Giakoumakis (Atlanta United).



Journalists, MLS players and club technical staffs had their say in the selection of these players. Messi moved to the US in July, just before the beginning of the Leagues Cup. When the MLS season resumed, Leo had to miss games due to muscle fatigue.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231129_BUS_88690_Lionel-Messi-5-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against Birk Risa of the New York City FC." class="wp-image-88717" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-5.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against Birk Risa of the New York City FC.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Messi still made a huge impact in the US soccer landscape</h2>



Regardless of his limited playing time and the fact that Inter Miami didn’t make the playoffs, Messi still left his mark in MLS in just a few months. First of all, he led the Herons to their first ever trophy in the 2023 Leagues Cup, with 10 goals in seven games.


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But it’s safe to say his biggest impact came off the field. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/inter-miami-unveil-pricey-2024-season-tickets-to-see-messi-20230929-BUS-70005.html">Ticket prices</a> for Inter Miami games – both home and away – went through the roof, as fans were willing to do whatever it took to watch him live. In fact, seats were available for much less <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/ticket-prices-for-us-open-cup-final-plummet-as-lionel-messi-is-ruled-out-20230928-BUS-69325.html">in games where Messi was ruled out</a>.



In addition, MLS Season Pass subscribers soared after the Argentine star joined the South Florida. The league also revealed Messi already leads MLS in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/not-jordi-alba-the-3rd-inter-miami-player-behind-messi-busquets-in-top-selling-jerseys-20230929-BUS-70091.html">jersey sales.</a>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65679631f2b571abd7e4a2dd" data-title="Do you think Messi should have made the 2023 MLS Best XI?" data-options="2"></div>


<h2>Messi has high ambitions for 2024</h2>



Messi couldn’t do much <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/inter-miami-lionel-messi-posts-end-of-season-message-on-instagram-20231023-BUS-79025.html">this season</a>, as the club was practically sunk in the East standings when he joined the league. But the Argentine star is all about succeeding, which is why he’s already looking forward to turning things around next year.



“Like I said at the beginning, I never doubted that we were going to enjoy our time here, and now I have no doubt that next year is going to be even better,” Messi said before Inter Miami’s last game in 2023, which was a friendly against New York City. “We are going to keep enjoying, keep winning titles and I hope you can support us like you have since I arrived. It has been amazing and next year we have important tournaments to face together.“


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Inter Miami head into 2024 with high expectations, as they will take part in the Concacaf Champions League and Copa Interamericana apart from the MLS season.

Lionel Messi snubbed from 2023 MLS Best XI despite joining Inter Miami

Lionel Messi snubbed from 2023 MLS Best XI despite joining Inter Miami - Bolavip US

Rio Ferdinand made headlines by suggesting that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> unfollowed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alejandro-garnacho">Alejandro Garnacho</a> on Instagram because of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/manchester-united">Manchester United</a> star’s devotion for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>. In fact, even Garnacho’s brother Roberto reacted to the former defender’s comments. 



“Fake , Messi never followed him , stop making stuff up just to create hate , garna loves and admires both of them and you all Trying to creating a rivalry. I’ve even seen videos of Messi showing the World Cup to garna , mate if u knew how we celebrated it at home,” he wrote on X (Twitter).



The English legend eventually noticed how much noise his comments made, which is why he also took to social media to set the record straight. First he replied to an account about Argentine soccer, before he addressed Garnacho’s brother directly.



“Sarcasm guys… relax,” Ferdinand replied to @AlbicelesteTalk. “Was sarcasm bro…,” he told Roberto Garnacho, who later made it clear his message wasn’t directed at Ferdinand.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="594" height="593" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231129_BUS_88589_image-18.webp&amp;width=594&amp;height=593" alt="" class="wp-image-88591" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-18.png 594w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-18-300x300.png 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-18-150x150.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Roberto Garnacho doesn’t blame Rio Ferdinand</h2>



Garnacho’s younger brother reacted to Ferdinand’s reply, claiming he wasn’t blaming the Red Devils icon for the report. “Not even saying that just for you , you even saying u have been told that , I’m talking in general abt all the people who is doing that.“


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Roberto Garnacho later replied to his own tweets as a thread, letting everyone know he has no grudges with Ferdinand. “Wow , This isn’t even targeted to Rio specifically it was just the incorrect info on Garna’s name about this from many people in general, wanted to just make it clear!”



<h2>What did Ferdinand say about Garnacho and Messi?</h2>



Ferdinand had previously said Garnacho told him Lionel Messi unfollowed him on Instagram because he’s a huge fan of Cristiano Ronaldo.



“You know what I like about him? He doesn’t give a f***. Garnacho told me that Messi unfollowed him just because he makes no secret of preferring Ronaldo. He comes out, don’t care, ‘I’m a Ronaldo man’. Who’s the GOAT? Ronaldo. (Even) when he’s in the Argentina squad,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel, via Goal.



But Garnacho’s brother and many soccer fans later pointed out that Messi never followed the Spanish-born winger in the first place. It’s not a secret that Garnacho looks up to Ronaldo, but he’s also a big admirer of Messi.

Rio Ferdinand responds to Garnacho's brother over Messi's unfollow

Rio Ferdinand responds to Alejandro Garnacho's brother over Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo rumor - Bolavip US

Rio Ferdinand sets record straight with Garnacho's brother over Messi's 'unfollow'

Rio Ferdinand made big headlines this week by claiming that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> unfollowed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alejandro-garnacho">Alejandro Garnacho</a> on Instagram because the Manchester United sensation is a huge fan of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.



“You know what I like about him? He doesn’t give a f***. Garnacho told me that Messi unfollowed him just because he makes no secret of preferring Ronaldo. He comes out, don’t care, ‘I’m a Ronaldo man’. Who’s the GOAT? Ronaldo. (Even) when he’s in the Argentina squad,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel, as quoted by Goal.



But it looks like this is not true. While some fans thought Messi unfollowed the 19-year-old in April 2022 after he called CR7 the GOAT, Garnacho’s brother Roberto claims Leo never followed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/manchester-united">Man Utd</a> star in the first place.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="596" height="589" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231128_BUS_88445_image-14.webp&amp;width=596&amp;height=589" alt="" class="wp-image-88450" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-14.png 596w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-14-300x296.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px"></figure></figure>



“Fake , Messi never followed him , stop making stuff up just to create hate , garna loves and admires both of them and you all Trying to creating a rivalry. I’ve even seen videos of Messi showing the World Cup to garna , mate if u knew how we celebrated it at home,” Garnacho’s brother wrote on X (Twitter).


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<h2>Garnacho admires both CR7 and Messi</h2>



Messi and Ronaldo may have been rivals for a long time in their quest to conquer world soccer, but that doesn’t mean people can’t admire both of them. While Garnacho has never hidden his admiration for CR7, he also expressed how much he looks up to Messi.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="929" height="551" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231128_BUS_88445_image-17.webp&amp;width=929&amp;height=551" alt="" class="wp-image-88463" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-17.png 929w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-17-300x178.png 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-17-768x456.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 929px) 100vw, 929px"></figure></figure>



The Spanish-born winger got to spend time with the Portuguese superstar at Manchester United’s senior squad, and eventually met Messi when Lionel Scaloni called him up to the Argentine national team.



Garnacho may feel more identified with Ronaldo because of his style of play and their Man United connection, but he still heaped praise on Messi after meeting the 8x Ballon d’Or winner for the first time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="929" height="546" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231128_BUS_88445_image-16.webp&amp;width=929&amp;height=546" alt="" class="wp-image-88462" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-16.png 929w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-16-300x176.png 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-16-768x451.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 929px) 100vw, 929px"></figure></figure>



“Dreams really do come true. Idol…,” Garnacho wrote on an Instagram picture posing next to Messi, adding the goat emoji to his post. A few months ago, he dedicated another post to the Inter Miami star, who celebrated his free-kick goal against Ecuador by hugging Garnacho.


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="474" height="634" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231128_BUS_88445_image-15.webp&amp;width=474&amp;height=634" alt="" class="wp-image-88457" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-15.png 474w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/image-15-224x300.png 224w" sizes="(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px"></figure></figure>



“El rey (the king),” Garnacho wrote. At the end of the day, both Messi and Ronaldo have inspired the younger generations, and it’s perfectly normal to see people who admire both superstars. There’s no need to create a rivalry all the time.

Garnacho's brother strongly denies that Messi unfollowed the Man Utd gem on Instagram

Garnacho's brother denies that Messi unfollowed the Man Utd gem on Instagram - Bolavip US

Garnacho's brother denies that Messi unfollowed the Man Utd gem on Instagram

Alejandro Garnacho's brother denies that Lionel Messi unfollowed the Man Utd gem

The 2023 Ballon d’Or may have passed, but with the year coming to an end, more awards await us. Online voting for the Globe Soccer Awards is already open, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> leading <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erling-haaland">Erling Haaland</a> in the men’s category.



Right now, the Portuguese superstar is frontrunner with 29.1% of the vote, with the Manchester City striker trailing with 15%. Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah is third right now with 14% of the vote, while the Inter Miami star is running from behind with 13.6%.



The four superstars are among the 30 initial nominees for the prize. Fans worldwide can vote who should be shortlisted until December 7. Then, shortlists will be voted on from Dec. 12 and 28 both by fans and Globe Soccer’s Official Jury, made up by prominent figures including Francesco Totti and Iker Casillas.



<h2>The story of the Globe Soccer Awards</h2>



The Globe Soccer Awards, organized by the European Association of Player’s Agents (EFAA), are delivered annually by Globe Soccer since 2010. They started with three prizes, but the number of categories has increased since then, reaching 16 in 2023. Besides, this year there will be four digital awards.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231128_BUS_88363_Zidane-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Zinedine Zidane collects Best Club of the Year Award on behalf of Real Madrid during the Globe Soccer Awards 2017 on December 28, 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates." class="wp-image-88383" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Zidane-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Zidane-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Zidane-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Zidane-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Zidane.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Zinedine Zidane collects Best Club of the Year Award on behalf of Real Madrid during the Globe Soccer Awards 2017 on December 28, 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.</figcaption></figure>



This will be the 14th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards, which will once again be held at Atlantis, The Palm. The winners will be announced in a gala on January 19, 2024. Players and clubs will be rewarded for their work this year in the following categories:



<ul><li>Best Men’s Player</li><li>Best Women’s Player</li><li>Fans’ Favorite Player of the Year</li><li>Best Men’s Club</li><li>Best Women’s Club</li><li>Best Coach</li><li>Best Midfielder</li><li>Best Goalkeeper</li><li>Power Horse Emerging Player</li><li>Best Middle East Player</li><li>Best Middle East Club</li></ul>



Players can be shortlisted in multiple categories. Cristiano Ronaldo, for instance, is also leading the vote in the Best Middle East Player and Fans’ Favorite Player of the Year. Kylian Mbappe was the winner in 2023.


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<h2>All the nominees for 2023 Globe Soccer Awards Best Men’s Player category</h2>



<ol><li>Julian Alvarez</li><li>Yassine Bounou</li><li>Phil Foden</li><li>Erling Haaland</li><li>Lautaro Martinez</li><li>Luka Modric</li><li>Rodri</li><li>Bernardo Silva</li><li>Nicolo Barella</li><li>Kevin De Bruyne</li><li>Jack Grealish</li><li>Harry Kane</li><li>Kylian Mbappe</li><li>Martin Odegaard</li><li>Cristiano Ronaldo</li><li>Vinicius Junior</li><li>Jude Bellingham</li><li>Ruben Dias</li><li>Antoine Griezmann</li><li>Kvicha Kvaratskhelia</li><li>Lionel Messi</li><li>Andre Onana</li><li>Bukayo Saka</li><li>Karim Benzema</li><li>Ederson</li><li>Ilkay Gundogan</li><li>Robert Lewandowski</li><li>Kim Min-Jae</li><li>Victor Osimhen</li><li>Mohamed Salah</li></ol>

Lionel Messi