Latest news with #Ballond'Ors
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘We're not friends, obviously' – Lionel Messi gives rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
Pair have previously had their say about each other LION KINGS 'We're not friends, obviously' – Lionel Messi gives rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIONEL MESSI declared 'we're not friends, obviously' as he gave a rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran rivals are regarded as arguably the two best players to ever grace the beautiful game. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Lionel Messi admits he and Cristiano Ronaldo 'are not friends' Credit: AP 6 Messi is still going strong at the age of 37 with Inter Miami Credit: Getty 6 Ronaldo, 40, has been banging in the goals for Al-Nassr Credit: AFP 6 The pair have won numerous trophies and awards between them Credit: Getty And their battle for legendary status has now been ongoing for over 20 years. Messi, 37, currently stars for MLS side Inter Miami after a dazzling career for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina. Ronaldo, 40, continues to tear things up for Saudi outfit Al-Nassr following glory at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. And the pair boast 19 league titles between them, as well as nine Champions Leagues and seven international trophies. As far as Ballon d'Ors go, Messi leads Ronaldo by eight of the individual honours to five. But despite their rivalry on the pitch, the pair have sought to play down reports of a grudge off it too. Ronaldo previously declared he 'admired' Messi's career while admitting son Cristiano Jr adored the Argentine's skills. Meanwhile, Messi believes they have enjoyed a 'great battle' and 'deserve credit' for leading the 'golden era' of football. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Now, the World Cup winner has given a deeper glimpse into his relationship with his Euro-clinching counterpart. Admitting he's 'not friends' with Ronaldo, Messi told DSports: 'I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he's had and continues to have, because he's still competing at the highest level. Watch Messi score stunning free-kick as Inter Miami stun Porto 2-1m 6 Ronaldo's partner is Spanish businesswoman Georgia Rodriguez Credit: Instagram @georginagio 6 Messi is married to childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo Credit: Getty 'The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field. 'Off the pitch, we are two normal people. We're not friends obviously because we don't spend time together, but we've always treated each other with a lot of respect.' Ronaldo also had his say on Messi earlier this year. He declared: 'I have a good relationship with Messi. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along.'
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘We're not friends, obviously' – Lionel Messi gives rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
LIONEL MESSI declared 'we're not friends, obviously' as he gave a rare glimpse into his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran rivals are regarded as arguably the two best players to ever grace the beautiful game. Advertisement 6 Lionel Messi admits he and Cristiano Ronaldo 'are not friends' Credit: AP 6 Messi is still going strong at the age of 37 with Inter Miami Credit: Getty 6 Ronaldo, 40, has been banging in the goals for Al-Nassr Credit: AFP 6 The pair have won numerous trophies and awards between them Credit: Getty And their Messi, 37, currently stars for MLS side Inter Miami after a dazzling career for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina. Ronaldo, 40, continues to tear things up for Saudi outfit Al-Nassr following glory at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. And the pair boast 19 league titles between them, as well as nine Champions Leagues and seven international trophies. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL As far as Ballon d'Ors go, Messi leads Ronaldo by eight of the individual honours to five. Ronaldo previously Meanwhile, Messi believes Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Now, the World Cup winner has given a deeper glimpse into his relationship with his Euro-clinching counterpart. Admitting he's 'not friends' with Ronaldo, Messi told Watch Messi score stunning free-kick as Inter Miami stun Porto 2-1m 6 Ronaldo's partner is Spanish businesswoman Georgia Rodriguez Credit: Instagram @georginagio Advertisement 6 Messi is married to childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo Credit: Getty 'The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field. 'Off the pitch, we are two normal people. We're not friends obviously because we don't spend time together, but we've always treated each other with a lot of respect.' Ronaldo also had his say on Messi earlier this year. Advertisement He declared: 'I have a good relationship with Messi. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lionel Messi Highly Praises Cristiano Ronaldo As He Talks on Rivalry
Lionel Messi was interviewed by Ballon d'Or France Football about his time competing with Cristiano Ronaldo. The two have been competing for the Ballon d'Or award for years, and the Argentine star recognized the sporting battle he had with the Portuguese star. Lionel Messi: "It was spectacular and a great memory for everyone who enjoys soccer." Messi mentioned his competitiveness, which drove him to win Ballon d'Ors, the same characteristic as Ronaldo. He recognizes that the two have been at the top for more than ten years, which he acknowledges is not easy to do. What some fans enjoyed seeing was the humility of Messi brushing off the comment of 'winning the battle' against Ronaldo, in terms of Ballon d'Or wins. Advertisement This is similar to what Ronaldo said about Messi in the 2019 Champions League Draw. Messi and Ronaldo were sitting next to each other, and when discussing the 'battle' between the two, the Portuguese striker mentioned the longevity of the two at the top. How Many Times Have Messi and Ronaldo Faced Off? Messi and Ronaldo played 37 games against each other throughout their careers. Messi won 17 games against Ronaldo. Ronaldo beat Messi 11 times, and the two drew nine games against each other. They faced off three times when Messi was at FC Barcelona and Ronaldo was at Manchester United. Ronaldo then joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2009. That began an era of memorable 'El Clásico' matches that would define league titles and Ballon d'Ors. Advertisement The two played each other in 30 'El Clásico' matches. The last Barcelona vs Madrid match with Messi and Ronaldo playing was in 2018, where the match ended 2-2 at the Camp Nou. The Last Time Messi and Ronaldo faced off The last time Messi played against Ronaldo in Europe, it was a match between FC Barcelona and Juventus in the 2020-21 Champions League group stage. Juventus won 3-0 at the Camp Nou, with Ronaldo scoring a brace. Messi and Ronaldo met again in 2023, when the Argentine played for PSG and went to Saudi Arabia to play the Riyadh All Stars. Ronaldo had just recently joined Al Nassr, and this friendly match marked his first game in part of the Saudi Arabian league. Advertisement The French champions won 5-4, but the game is remembered as potentially the last time Messi and Ronaldo played against each other on the same pitch. Last year, in another friendly match, Messi's Inter Miami took on Ronaldo's Al Nassr. Ronaldo did not play in the game due to injury, and Messi started on the bench. Al Nassr got the better of Inter Miami as they won 6-0 at the Kingdom Arena. Messi came on in the 83rd minute.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Lamine Yamal set to land Messi's No10 shirt after signing generational new Barcelona deal with €1billion release clause
Yamal's record so far is demolishing what Yamal's record so far is demolishing what Messi had achieved before adulthood PASS THE TORCH Lamine Yamal set to land Messi's No10 shirt after signing generational new Barcelona deal with €1billion release clause Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LAMINE YAMAL will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi's iconic No 10 shirt at Barcelona after signing a generational deal this summer. The 17-year-old has emerged as a Ballon d'Or front-runner and is widely viewed as the game's biggest talent since Messi burst onto the scene almost 20 years ago. 4 Lamine Yamal will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi's iconic No 10 shirt when he signs a new deal this summer 4 Messi famously wore the No 10 jersey for the majority of his iconic Barcelona career 4 Messi wore the No 10 for 13 years, winning seven of his eight Ballon d'Ors in that time Yamal was considered the heir to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi when he came the youngest player to start a Euros final with Spain. And Yamal, who has already provided 25 goals and 34 assists in 105 appearances for Barca, will celebrate his 18th birthday in July by signing a new long-term contract. According to the Catalan club will include a €1billion (£841million) release clause in the once in a lifetime deal. Yamal, who still wears braces, will also be handed the iconic No 10 shirt, which is worn by Ansu Fati at the moment. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL TRIPLE THREAT Man Utd fans celebrate as 3 stars return from injury just hours before final Fati was termed as the original heir to Messi, but injuries and a lack of form has left him facing an exit this summer. Yamal currently holds the No. 19 jersey, which was also the number worn by fellow former La Masia product Messi before he switched in 2008. The changeover will mark another historic moment in Yamal's young career, after he made his Barca debut two years ago when he was only 15. Since then, he has won LaLiga twice and provided 43 goal contributions in 54 games for Barca's domestic treble this season. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The stats show Yamal's trajectory since his debut aged 15 years and 290 days is rising faster than that of either Messi or the other superstar of his generation, Cristiano Ronaldo. By 17, Messi had scored once in nine senior games for Barca, while Ronaldo had netted five goals in 19 games for Sporting. 'Absolute cinema' - Kate Abdo dubbed 'real talent' after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interview Yamal also has four goals in his 19 appearances for Spain. Neither Messi or Ronaldo made their international debut until they turned 18. It took Messi, who made his debut at 16, until shortly before his 21st birthday to hit the 100-game mark in Barcelona colours, scoring 41 goals in the process. Before bagging an incredible screamer in Barca's 3-3 Champions League draw on his 100th appearance, Yamal said: "I don't compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi. "So I don't think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I'm going to enjoy myself and be myself." Remarkably, there are pictures of baby Yamal being held by a 20-year-old Messi during a photoshoot for Barcelona and Unicef in 2007. Seven years later, that baby was training with the club. By the age of 12, Spanish publication Marca was already comparing him to Messi. The Argentine icon finished his Barcelona career in 2021 with a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances, plus 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League triumphs to his name.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Lamine Yamal set to land Messi's No10 shirt after signing generational new Barcelona deal with €1billion release clause
LAMINE YAMAL will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi's iconic No 10 shirt at Barcelona after signing a generational deal this summer. The Ballon d'Or front-runner and is widely viewed as the game's biggest talent since Messi burst onto the scene almost 20 years ago. 4 Lamine Yamal will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi's iconic No 10 shirt when he signs a new deal this summer 4 Messi famously wore the No 10 jersey for the majority of his iconic Barcelona career 4 Messi wore the No 10 for 13 years, winning seven of his eight Ballon d'Ors in that time Yamal was considered the heir to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi when he came the youngest player to start a Euros final with Spain . And who has already provided 25 goals and 34 assists in 105 appearances for Barca, will celebrate his 18th birthday in July by signing a new long-term contract. According to , the Catalan club will include a €1billion (£841million) release clause in the once in a lifetime deal. Yamal, who still wears braces, will also be handed the iconic No 10 shirt, which is worn by READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Fati was termed as the original heir to Messi, but injuries and a lack of form has left him facing an exit this summer . Yamal currently holds the No. 19 jersey , which was also the number worn by fellow former La Masia product Messi before he switched in 2008. The changeover will mark another historic moment in Yamal's young career, after he made his Barca debut two years ago when he was only 15. Since then, he has won LaLiga twice and provided 43 goal contributions in 54 games for Barca's domestic treble this season. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The stats show Yamal's trajectory since his debut aged 15 years and 290 days is rising faster than that of either Messi or the other superstar of his generation, By 17, Messi had scored once in nine senior games for Barca, while 'Absolute cinema' - Kate Abdo dubbed 'real talent' after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interview Yamal also has four goals in his 19 appearances for Spain . Neither Messi or Ronaldo made their international debut until they turned 18. It took Messi, who made his debut at 16, until shortly before his 21st birthday to hit the 100-game mark in Barcelona colours, scoring 41 goals in the process. Before bagging an incredible screamer in Barca's 3-3 Champions League draw on his 100th appearance, Yamal said: "I don't compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi. "So I don't think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I'm going to enjoy myself and be myself." Remarkably, there are pictures of Unicef in 2007. Seven years later, that baby was training with the club. By the age of 12, Spanish publication Marca was already comparing him to Messi. The Argentine icon finished his 4 Messi held baby Lamine Yamal for Unicef in 2007
