https://www.givemesport.com Lionel Messi news. All the latest updates and expert analysis regarding the Argentine striker who has played club football for Barcelona and PSG. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:52:27 GMT en-US hourly 60 Lionel Messi is arguably the biggest name in football, but what is the net worth of the Argentina and Barcelona legend? The South American maestro has changed the landscape of the footballing world over the last decade, breaking records at will and scoring impossible goals for fun.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 16:01:29 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/1628456-lionel-messi-what-is-his-net-worth/ Lionel Messi reportedly rejected the opportunity to appear on CBS Sports' coverage of the Champions League while the broadcast team were in Miami, with host Kate Abdo referencing his long-standing issue with Jamie Carragher as the reason why. The World Cup winner has previously had a run-in with the former Liverpool defender, and it seems as if that resentment has not yet passed.

]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:52:27 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/why-lionel-messi-refused-to-do-cbs-champions-league-show-with-jamie-carragher/ Many footballers, past and present, have weighed in on the old-age Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate and now, defender-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher has given his two cents and made a bold claim by saying “it’s not even close”. It’s subjective, of course, but would you rather have the Portuguese talisman or the Argentine magician in your team?

]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2023 09:53:40 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/jamie-carragher-gives-emphatic-response-when-asked-if-messi-vs-ronaldo-debate-is-now-over/ The pinnacle of club football: the Champions League. Many footballers yearn for the opportunity to take centre stage in Europe’s most prestigious competition, though there is only a select few – often comprised of the very best – that have the pleasure of fulfilling their dream of winning the whole thing.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:26:05 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-players-with-the-most-champions-league-assists-of-all-time/ Barcelona are one of the biggest clubs in Europe. They have had a huge influence on the game, both in a historical sense with figures like Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona and in a modern sense too with figures like Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:44:39 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/barcelona-players-post-match-meal-requests-list-from-2014/ The men's Champions League final comes around once every year and it's an occasion that is always highly anticipated. It takes years and years of blood, sweat and tears to make it in football at any level in the professional game, and to make it to the height of the European game takes even more than that.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:53:53 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/every-champions-league-final-man-of-the-match-21st-century/ Arguably one of the most lucrative sports in the world, footballers are often among the richest athletes – and not only because of their contentious pay packets that dwarf many other occupations. Alongside their salaries, endorsements and bonuses, players are given the opportunity to sign individual sponsorship contracts and boot deals have a huge part to play.

]]> Sun, 26 Nov 2023 17:04:46 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/players-biggest-boot-deals-in-football-soccer/ In a video posted on X, Argentinian fans were faced with a tough question when they were asked to choose between Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:51:17 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/argentina-fans-choose-between-lionel-messi-diego-maradona/ Have you ever wondered what it would be like to try and stop Lionel Messi, the inevitable pint-sized Argentine, from pulling out some magic from his never-ending bag of tricks? Well, no need to fret, as the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso – one of the Premier League’s best-ever passers - has you covered.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 09:45:24 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/xabi-alonso-breaks-down-how-hard-it-is-to-stop-lionel-messi/ Argentina, spearheaded by captain Lionel Messi, secured a historic win over their international arch-rivals Argentina as Nicolas Otamendi’s second half header sealed all three points in their important World Cup qualifying clash. But the sharp-eyed viewers noticed Messi and Real Madrid and Brazil ace Rodrygo exchanging some choice words after the eight-time Ballon d’Or led his compatriots back onto the pitch after going in the dressing room, as chaos ensued in the crowds between Argentinian fans and Brazilian police officers.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 08:00:49 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/what-lionel-messi-said-when-rodrygo-called-argentina-cowards-after-walking-off-pitch/ One of the great football topics is back and there will be a wide array of differing opinions on the results. Each player has been ranked to settle the debate of the greatest of all time. While everyone has their own opinion and it will be impossible to settle this once and for all, we have chimed in with our own thoughts.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:15:53 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/top-football-players-of-all-time-named/ Football fixtures between Brazil and Argentina are just about as fierce and competitive as you can get. The two great nations, who rule football in South America, contest the 'Superclássico das Américas' (Superclassic of the Americas) and these matches can often descend into incidents on the pitch as well as in the stands, with FIFA having described it as 'the essence of football rivalry.'

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:43:19 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/brazil-argentina-origins-head-to-head-best-matches/ There’s nothing better than turning up with your mates in oddly-matched shirts ready to run around like headless chickens for half an hour on a cold and bleak midweek evening, is there? A threadbare bench, your teammates scrambling in their pockets for three months of missed payments and one half-decent player that everything goes through.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:15:10 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/mikel-arteta-includes-messi-ronaldo-in-his-crazy-greatest-ever-six-a-side-team/ Brazil fans put their rivalry with Argentina – the fiercest in international football – aside on Tuesday as they welcomed La Albiceleste royalty Lionel Messi to the Maracanã in their all-important World Cup qualifying clash. It was former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi who opened the scoring when the two South American-based behemoths locked horns as Lionel Scaloni’s side secured a historic victory, one that ended Brazil’s flawless World Cup qualifying record on home soil.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:59:37 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-amazing-reception-lionel-messi-received-from-brazil-fans-at-the-maracana/ 2023 marks 20 years since Tuttosport’s conception of the Golden Boy Award, with the now-famous gong awarded to the most talented under-21 player. Often used as a marker for players potentially destined for greatness, multiple icons of the game have collected the honour since its creation.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:28:34 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/every-golden-boy-winner-ranked-ft-mbappe-pogba-and-haaland/ Although France had just recorded their biggest ever victory in a 14-0 demolition of Gibraltar, it was Kylian Mbappé who made the headlines as he reached 300 career goals, at just 24 years old.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:12:46 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/how-long-it-took-kylian-mbappe-to-score-300-goals-compared-to-messi-ronaldo-kane-others/ Lionel Messi's shirts from the 2022 World Cup are set to be sold at an auction for an astronomical price, according to reports. And the final total for the collection of famous jerseys could blow the record sale for an item of sports memorabilia out of the water.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:16:03 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messis-world-cup-shirts-set-to-sell-at-auction-for-millions/ Kai Havertz has not had the best time of late. Indeed, eyebrows were raised when Arsenal handed Chelsea £65m for the German in the summer, immediately drawing scrutiny before he'd even kicked a ball. While it had been hoped that a fresh start with the Gunners could help bring out the best in the 24-year-old, it's really been more of the same in north London.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 13:53:53 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/10-footballers-who-improved-their-game-after-changing-position/ For some players, international football is the very pinnacle of the sport. After all, even pulling on the national team jersey just once can be the proudest moment for many individuals across the span of their entire careers.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:53:47 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-players-with-the-most-international-goals-scored-since-2000/ The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been a raging point of contention among football fans over the last two decades, as both footballing superstars have gone head-to-head at a level never seen before.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 12:37:35 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/ex-chelsea-player-explains-the-difference-between-facing-cristiano-ronaldo-facing-lionel-messi/ For many, the international break is the cause of an unwanted pause in domestic football just as the season is really beginning to find momentum. But it does still often tend to deliver some moments of good entertainment. And, seeing as it gives us all a chance to watch eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi represent Argentina once again, maybe we shouldn't overlook it completely.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:12:35 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messi-honest-interview-after-heated-argentina-clash/ Is there a player that better epitomises and encapsulates everything that makes the beautiful game beautiful better than Lionel Messi? Probably not. The little magician has achieved everything there is to achieve in the world of football, having come a long way since the beginning of his journey.

]]> Thu, 16 Nov 2023 20:22:43 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/1786159-lionel-messi-where-are-his-teammates-from-barcelona-first-team-debut-now/ Lionel Messi and Barcelona - the pair are synonymous. You simply cannot think of the club without also thinking of the Argentine producing a moment of magic, and you cannot think of the player without thinking of him in the famous blue and red striped shirt.

]]> Wed, 15 Nov 2023 16:19:39 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/where-the-starting-line-up-from-lionel-messis-final-barcelona-game-are-now/ Luis Suárez continues to prove that he is a sensationally talented football player, with the 36-year-old netting a 19-minute hat-trick for Gremio in a comeback win against Botafogo. Despite advancing in age, the Uruguayan has never lost his touch and eye for goal, as shown by the clinical finishing he has shown in Brazil.

]]> Sat, 11 Nov 2023 13:44:37 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/footballers-most-hat-tricks-21st-century/ For the current crop of footballers, the likes of Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane would have been among the most popular players to idolise when growing up. The Argentine may well still be playing, but having achieved so much throughout the course of this career, and now towards the latter stages of his playing days, it's hard to imagine there isn't a single player under the age of 25 who wasn't inspired by the eighth Ballon d'Or winner as a youngster.

]]> Sat, 11 Nov 2023 09:41:51 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messi-and-zinedine-zidane-reveal-who-their-idols-were-when-growing-up/ Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, in a brilliant, must-watch chat with Lionel Messi, has revealed who the toughest opponent he ever faced was. The Frenchman, rated the fourth-best footballer of the 2000s, endured a glittering career and, at the peak of his powers, could be considered one of the sport’s greatest. He oozed elegance and made skipping past players look like second nature.

]]> Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:16:12 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/zinedine-zidane-reveals-his-toughest-opponent-in-chat-with-lionel-messi/ Football is by definition an ever-changing meritocracy.

]]> Fri, 10 Nov 2023 13:42:22 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/best-football-players-in-the-world/ When it comes to football, everyone will have their personal favourites. Even so, when it comes to naming the greats of the modern era, the likes of Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane are always going to rank pretty high on most lists.

]]> Thu, 09 Nov 2023 18:29:51 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/zinedine-zidane-talking-about-how-much-he-loves-lionel-messi-is-just-beautiful/ Ask anybody on the planet, football fan or not, who the biggest sports star is today and many will likely mention one of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. The duo have dominated the beautiful game in the 21st century, but there has always been a divide among fans over who the better player is.

]]> Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:31:49 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/messi-or-ronaldo-the-players-to-have-played-with-both-have-had-their-say/ From Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi scoring every 10 seconds, Leicester City winning the Premier League and France becoming world champions, there was no shortage of memories in the last decade of football. The year 2010 kicked off with Inter Milan winning the Champions League and Spain capturing their first World Cup. These are two things that have not happened since.

]]> Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:32:07 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/greatest-footballers-of-the-decade-2010-2019/ Lionel Messi was announced as the 2023 Ballon d'Or winner on Monday. This year's award was considered a two-horse race between Messi and Erling Haaland and it was the former who came out on top, being awarded his eighth Ballon d'Or trophy after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

]]> Sat, 04 Nov 2023 15:48:46 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/88074339-ballon-dor-vote-every-journalists-picks-for-the-award-have-been-released/ With the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony wrapped up, we all know that Lionel Messi has won the award for a record eighth time. His triumph comes largely in the wake of Argentina's success at the 2022 World Cup. And while he may know why he was given the award, it's interesting to note just how comfortably he did when it came to the voting. Indeed, the Inter Miami ace finished up 105 points better off than his closest competitor Erling Haaland.

]]> Sat, 04 Nov 2023 12:21:52 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/2023-ballon-dor-top-10-revealed-how-many-points-did-they-get/ Lionel Messi’s votes for the 2023 Kopa Trophy have been revealed following Jude Bellingham’s victory on Monday. And they have caused quite a stir online.

]]> Sat, 04 Nov 2023 09:10:02 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messis-vote-for-the-2023-kopa-trophy-emerges/ Lionel Messi has just won his record eighth Ballon d'Or award after the Argentine forward enjoyed a brilliant 12 months that included a World Cup success in December 2022. He has also had a strong start to life in America as the little magician has managed to find the net 11 times while also contributing five assists in his opening 14 games for Inter Miami and so is more than deserving of the accolade.

]]> Sat, 04 Nov 2023 08:54:50 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/most-ballon-dor-points-in-history/ The transfer window is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling times for football fans worldwide. We all watch in eager anticipation as our teams strive to find that missing piece of the puzzle. Whether it's a consistent goalscorer, a midfield maestro, a rock-solid defender, or an unbeatable goalkeeper, we sit by our phones and laptops, often waiting for those three magic words: 'Here we go.'

]]> Fri, 03 Nov 2023 20:49:56 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-most-expensive-player-at-every-age-from-16-39/ Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are sadly edging ever closer to their end of their illustrious careers. Ronaldo turns 39 in February, while Messi celebrated his 36th birthday in June. Regardless of what happens between now and the days they retire, both superstars have secured their places on the pantheon of all-time greats alongside Pele and Diego Maradona.

]]> Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:59:05 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/88063788-ronaldo-vs-messi-xavis-reaction-when-cristiano-called-himself-the-goat-in-2017/ Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister appears to have made her feelings clear after Lionel Messi won a record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or award earlier this week.

]]> Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:39:59 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/cristiano-ronaldo-sister-makes-feelings-clear-after-lionel-messi-eighth-ballon-dor-win/ There aren’t many people who would dispute Lionel Messi’s status as the greatest player of all time at this point. After all, he has scored goals for fun at both club and international level. But despite there being so many occasions where Messi has found the back of the net, the Argentine has now admitted that one goal does stand out to him above all the others.

]]> Wed, 01 Nov 2023 22:31:42 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messi-reveals-his-favourite-goal-of-his-entire-career/ Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammates celebrated the Argentine's eighth Ballon d'Or win with an incredible gesture. The World Cup winner made history last night, reaffirming his position as the most decorated player in the history of the award.

]]> Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:48:46 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-gift-inter-miami-players-gave-lionel-messi-after-ballon-dor-win/ Lionel Messi has fired back at claims made by a journalist after he won a record eighth Ballon d'Or. The Argentine forward made history once again, being recognised as the best player in the world for the third time in five years. He outperformed Manchester City's Erling Haaland and former teammate Kylian Mbappe to claim the trophy.

]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:24:00 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messi-calls-out-journalist-for-barcelona-claim-after-8th-ballon-dor-win/ It's official! Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or for a record eighth time! The 36-year-old received the award off the back of an unforgettable year in which he finally won the World Cup with Argentina. Erling Haaland will have to wait at least another 12 months to win the accolade after finishing second in the vote, having won the treble with Manchester City last season.

]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:24:53 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/ranking-the-top-10-contenders-for-the-2024-ballon-dor/ Cristiano Ronaldo has raised eyebrows with a comment on Instagram after Lionel Messi won a record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or award on Monday. The legendary Portuguese forward, whose competitive rivalry with Messi has spanned 15 years, appears to have made his feelings clear via the social media platform.

]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:32:30 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/cristiano-ronaldos-instagram-comment-after-messis-eighth-ballon-dor-win-causes-a-stir/ Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been at the heart of debates for many years now, with fans all holding their own opinions on which player has been better over the course of their careers. It cannot be disputed at this point that both men are two of the greatest players of all time with what they have both achieved in the sport, and it has been a joy to watch their careers run side-by-side.

]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:56:50 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-comparing-their-stats-at-the-same-age/ Lionel Messi has been awarded a remarkable eighth Ballon d'Or after an incredible year that saw the Argentine lead his nation to World Cup glory at the back end of 2022 and hit the ground running with his new club - Inter Miami - following his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. This success pulls the 36-year-old even further ahead of long-term rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five Ballons d'Or to his name.

]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:31:39 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/players-won-ballon-dor-without-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-barcelona-real-madrid-man-utd/ Football is ultimately a team sport, it's about a collection of individuals working together to win trophies. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts and all that. However, there is still a place within the beautiful game to celebrate individual brilliance. Hence why we have the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:20:32 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/ishowspeeds-reaction-to-lionel-messi-winning-eighth-ballon-dor/ Ballon d’Or host Didier Drogba has been praised for his response after members of the audience booed when footage of Emiliano Martinez’s World Cup final save against France’s Randal Kolo Muani was played during the Argentina goalkeeper’s speech while receiving the 2023 Yashin Trophy.

]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:48:32 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/didier-drogba-reaction-praised-as-ballon-dor-audience-boo-emiliano-martinez-speech/ Since its inception way back in 1956, there have been many names to walk the stage and have their names etched into the metal of the Ballon d’Or. It is the holy grail of football and many players – of yesteryear and the modern era – yearn to get their hands on it, though only the very best manage(d) to do so.

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 23:13:48 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/88101605-who-is-the-oldest-ever-ballon-dor-winner/ Lionel Messi is the man with the biggest legacy in Ballon d'Or history with the Argentine having won the biggest individual award on the planet on more occasions than any other. The 2022 World Cup winner has added an incredible eighth award to his trophy cabinet after beating Erling Haaland to the honour in 2023. In the weeks before the award ceremony, it was assumed that it would be a two-horse race between the two men.

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 22:30:48 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/clubs-with-most-ballon-dor-award-wins/ Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona is a debate that will never truly be settled. Even with Messi now having a World Cup with Argentina under his belt after the triumph in Qatar, there are still many who firmly believe that Maradona was the superior footballer. Blessed with extraordinary natural talent, Maradona was the dictionary definition of a flawed genius. A magician with the ball at his feet, Argentines fell in love with Maradona the footballer, but considering his larger-than-life personality that shone whenever he took to the pitch, they also fell in love with Diego the man.

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 12:13:16 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/87981337-messi-vs-maradona-sir-alex-fergusons-opinion-on-the-debate/ The 21st century has been littered with a boatload of talent, hasn’t it? And – in the grand scheme of things – we’re just getting started. Nowadays, the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and – more recently – Jude Bellingham are the sport’s leading stars as they try and fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi departing Europe for pastures new.

]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:02:54 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/darren-bent-selects-greatest-players-21st-century/ Lionel Messi tormented Real Madrid so many times during his career at his former club Barcelona. As he did with many of the teams that blessed the Spanish top flight, though none felt as special when it wasn’t their arch-rivals.

]]> Thu, 26 Oct 2023 20:52:57 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/88024429-lionel-messi-produced-one-of-footballs-coldest-moments-after-being-floored-by-ramos-in-2010/ On Monday, the greatest individual award in football takes place - the Ballon d'Or. One hundred journalists from the top 100 UEFA Nations have voted for who they think were the best five players during the calendar year of 2023 from a shortlist of 30 players. The first pick with get six points, the second pick will get four points, the third pick will get three points, the fourth pick will get two points and the fifth pick will get one point.

]]> Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:43:58 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/88071255-ballon-dor-vote-sri-lankan-journalists-bizarre-selections-in-2017-2018-2019/ Ballon d'Or talk is heating up ahead of this year's ceremony in Paris, with a certain French icon having his say on who deserves to take home the crown this year.

]]> Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:43:48 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/thierry-henry-reveals-who-should-win-the-ballon-dor-this-year-between-messi-haaland/ The 2000s were full of legendary players and European football was the centrepiece to the brilliance on show week in week out. The likes of Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry were at the peak of their powers and showcasing their unbelievable talent on the world stage.

]]> Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:21:20 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/88103293-messi-ronaldo-zidane-greatest-footballers-of-2000s-ranked-by-fans/ Lionel Messi has been spotted, via fan footage, doing something that only the most illustrious performers like himself could get away with. Winless in six consecutive games, Messi’s Inter Miami travelled to Bank of America Stadium to face a thriving Charlotte FC, who were looking to extend their three-game unbeaten streak.

]]> Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:51:40 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/fan-footage-of-lionel-messi-during-charlotte-v-inter-miami-goes-viral/ One of the great joys of football fandom is watching a young player rise through the ranks as a talented academy player, before bursting onto the scene as a fully-fledged senior star. Just think of David Beckham at Manchester United, Raúl González at Real Madrid, Steven Gerrard at Liverpool, and even Bukayo Saka at Arsenal today.

]]> Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:22:50 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/greatest-la-masia-graduates/ The world of international football can be an unusual anomaly at times with some of the greatest players on the globe being held back by being born in a country that isn't necessarily blessed with the most footballing talent. Nonetheless, the top players in the game at club level are usually capable of elevating their game for their national side and lifting the level of players around them.

]]> Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:26:18 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/most-international-assists-in-football-history/ Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of his best ever free-kicks for Al Nassr against Damac on Saturday evening. Al Nassr were given a free-kick roughly 25 yards out with the scores locked at 1-1 in the second half at KSU Stadium. Ronaldo stepped up and struck a brilliant effort that nestled into the top corner. Damac's goalkeeper, Moustapha Zeghba, had absolutely no chance of saving it at all.

]]> Sun, 22 Oct 2023 12:29:54 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/footballers-with-most-free-kick-goals-ever-messi-ronaldo-pele-maradona/ The debate over Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has been one of the biggest talking points among football fans since the pair first laced up their boots in the early 2000s.

]]> Sat, 21 Oct 2023 11:46:37 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/anthony-joshua-answers-cristiano-ronaldo-vs-lionel-messi-debate/ Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes both Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland deserve to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or, but his full response to being asked who should win was absolutely spot on.

]]> Sat, 21 Oct 2023 08:24:32 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/pep-guardiolas-perfect-response-on-who-should-win-ballon-dor-between-messi-haaland/ As The MLS (Major League Soccer) attempt to climb the ladder and cement themselves as one of football’s most dominant league, attracting stars with hefty wage packets is seemingly one of their objectives. Competing with the Saudi Pro League, which boasts stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante, both divisions are locking horns to become the biggest and best outside of Europe.

]]> Fri, 20 Oct 2023 14:51:45 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/highest-paid-players-major-league-soccer/ The debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time has raged on for some time and will go on for some time yet. Pele, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are just four players considered the sport's greatest player.

]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:01:38 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/mathematical-study-crowned-footballs-goat/ One of the most common debates in the world of sports is who is the greatest athlete of all time. It’s an almost impossible list to determine, with so many factors coming into consideration. Accolades in their respective sports, social media presence, and general persona are some of the key factors that we use to rank athletes, but TheTopTen use fans to rank theirs.

]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:07:24 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/most-popular-athletes-of-all-time/ Lionel Messi's two-goal masterclass against Peru last night was a gentle reminder just why the Argentine is favourite to win the 2023 edition of the Ballon d'Or - although it is a Man City star's dummy that has people speaking.

]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:19:57 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messis-second-argentina-goal-vs-peru-came-after-beautiful-julian-alvarez-dummy/ Lionel Messi was back to his very best as Argentina beat Peru 2-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night. The Inter Miami star has been sidelined recently due to a muscle tissue injury and had only appeared as a substitute in Argentina's narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay a few days previously. But Messi played a full 90 minutes during the win over Peru - and was absolutely sensational throughout.

]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:08:59 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messi-produces-brilliant-skill-to-embarrass-two-peru-players-during-incredible-performance/ Since 2010, Sofascore has been a world leader in collecting some of the most crucial data for all things football. The Zagreb-based company records information across thousands of games, then utilises that data to assign players their own Sofascore rating.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 20:57:44 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/players-with-most-perfect-match-ratings/ The World Cup is seen as the biggest major honour a player can win throughout their career as extra importance is placed on achieving success with a national side in comparison to club success. Some of the greatest football players of all time such as Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona have all led their country to victory on the biggest international stage and it has only gone to further their already remarkable legacies within the beautiful game.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:11:20 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/best-xi-to-never-win-world-cup/ Thierry Henry has given his thoughts on his time playing in the same team as Lionel Messi at Barcelona, and his honesty may even surprise some people. The pair were part of the Spanish giants' front three alongside Samuel Eto'o from 2007 to 2010 and achieved both domestic and European success in that time.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:36:22 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/thierry-henrys-fascinating-insight-into-playing-alongside-lionel-messi/ In recent years, penalties have been used to discredit a player's greatness. The number of penalties a football may score is used against them and is almost a knock on their abilities in the eyes of some. There have been players accused of being nothing without a spot kick to fall back on, which is pretty wild.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:37:21 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/players-with-the-most-non-penalty-goals-and-assists-have-been-revealed/ Lionel Messi has made scoring wonder goals into a formality across his remarkable career. If you were to rank the 30 greatest goals that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has ever scored, you could rest assured that most world-class players could only dream of scoring one of them.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 14:47:27 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/88024132-lionel-messis-forgotten-wonder-goal-that-thierry-henry-once-called-his-personal-favourite/ Lionel Messi and Argentina compatriot Nicolas Otamendi had a friendly on-pitch argument as the diminutive magician replaced forward Julian Alvarez against Paraguay in Buenos Aires. The reigning world champions continued their flawless start to their World Cup qualification campaign, one in which they have failed to concede in after three meetings.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:55:04 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messis-reaction-when-nicolas-otamendi-tried-to-give-him-argentina-captains-armband/ Lionel Messi was seemingly spat at during Argentina's 1-0 win over Paraguay. Messi came off the bench in the second half as the World champions picked up a crucial win in their World Cup qualifier. Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal of the game in the third minute to put Argentina top of the qualifying stage with three wins out of three.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 06:06:54 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messi-responds-after-seemingly-being-spat-at-during-argentina-vs-paraguay/ WhoScored have revealed just how many perfect 10 match ratings both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have earned since they started recording the data in 2009 and the results are quite staggering. The website collects a number of different statistics during football matches and decided to narrow it all down to one specific match rating for every player in a match.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:25:12 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/whoscored-reveal-perfect-ratings-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo/ Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? Who is the greatest player of all time? It's a debate that has been raging on for many years. Ronaldo has the bragging rights when it comes to goals scored. Messi has the bragging rights when it comes to the Ballon D'ors. Oh, and the small matter of winning the World Cup.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 09:50:16 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/88106280-cristiano-ronaldo-vs-lionel-messi-who-has-better-stats-when-they-play-each-other/ Muhammad Ali, Usain Bolt, Serena Williams, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiger Woods are just some of the names in the conversation about the greatest athlete of all time. With so many disciplines and eras to weigh up, the question of sport's overall GOAT will always prove an impossible one, but that doesn't make it any less fun for fans to discuss.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:39:16 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/greatest-athletes-of-all-time/ Lionel Messi’s bodyguard has gone viral on social media after Inter Miami’s 1-0 defeat to Cincinnati. A video has shown him making a young fan’s night on what was a disappointing evening for the Herons.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 08:23:18 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messis-bodyguard-made-a-young-fans-night-after-inter-miamis-mls-loss/ As Rafa Benitez would attest, there is plenty of space for facts within football. However, it ultimately is a game of opinions. For instance, you could say that Manchester City are the best team in the world because they won the treble last season. But if someone else claimed that Real Madrid, for instance, are better right now, they'd still be entitled to their opinion.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:50:24 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/selecting-earths-ultimate-23-man-squad-if-there-was-a-worlds-cup/ Kevin-Prince Boateng has told a fascinating story about the unusual way Lionel Messi prepared himself before Barcelona’s crunch Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool in May 2019.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:50:57 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/kevin-prince-boatengs-wild-story-about-lionel-messi-before-barcelona-3-0-liverpool-stuns-rio-ferdinand/ Kevin-Prince Boateng has revealed a conversation he once had with Lionel Messi and it just proves - once again - that the pint-sized Argentine has always had that elite mentality that sets him above the rest. Some may forget that Boateng and Messi once graced the turf at the same time and that may be because the former donned the Barcelona strip on just four occasions in his half-a-season stay.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:50:54 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/boateng-reveals-question-lionel-messi-asked-him-when-cristiano-ronaldo-was-at-juventus/ Kevin-Prince Boateng has claimed that he had to lie about who he believed the greatest player in the world was while he was playing for Barcelona in a new interview. The Ghanaian has said that he had to publicly say it was Lionel Messi, despite personally believing Cristiano Ronaldo was the better player.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:05:38 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/kevin-prince-boateng-claims-he-lied-about-messi-being-the-best-player-in-the-world/ Ronaldo Nazario will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in football history. The Brazilian was a lethal striker that scored over 350 goals in a club career that saw him play for the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. Ronaldo also played 98 times for his country, scoring 68 goals and helping to two World Cup triumphs. 'R9' enjoyed some extraordinary success, and he would have achieved even more had he not suffered from two serious knee injuries while at Inter.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:24:26 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/ronaldo-nazario-selects-best-ever-xi-including-messi-pele-maradona/ Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been involved in one of the biggest football debates ever with fans being unable to come to a conclusion on who the better player is. This conversation has gone on for the better part of two decades now, but EA Sports may have inadvertently given their thoughts on the better player over the years.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 13:21:30 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-fifa-eafc-ratings-compared/ EA Sports FC 24 has finally arrived, but despite this, many questions remain, how can gamers get the coveted edge this time? The new edition will be released on 29th September. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the top teams that you can use in Career Mode. The classic game mode may have been forgotten by some, with the endeavours of more popular game modes such as ultimate team growing in recent years. Nonetheless, old-school gamers know how exciting a Career Mode can be, whether that be taking a lower division side to European Glory or developing youth prospects that lead the side to silverware, career is timeless in that sense and can be enjoyed by gamers of all levels.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:32:23 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/ea-sports-fc-best-career-mode-teams-wrexham-real-madrid-napoli/ Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelafi has hit out at Lionel Messi after he slammed the club for its behaviour towards him following his World Cup win. The Argentine finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy with his country last year, but did so by beating France in the final, the country he was playing in at the time. In an interview that aired earlier this week, the 36-year-old criticised the club for their handling of his triumph and claimed he was the only player in the entire Argentina squad who wasn't celebrated by his team for the victory afterwards.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 12:10:08 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/psg-president-hits-back-lionel-messi-slammed-them-for-behaviour-world-cup-inter-miami/ The MLS (Major League Soccer) is a division climbing the ladder and is very close to being described as a top 10 league in the world.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 07:49:30 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/highest-paid-players-soccer-mls/ Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two of the greatest players of all time. But who is better?

]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 18:03:58 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/1562149-cristiano-ronaldo-vs-lionel-messi-10-great-managers-that-have-answered-the-debate/ Lionel Messi has slammed Paris Saint-Germain for their poor treatment of him following the World Cup in an eye-opening interview. The superstar won the elite competition with his nation, Argentina, but believes the way he was treated by his club in the aftermath was harsh. Messi left PSG this summer to join Inter Miami after just two years in France, and it's becoming increasingly apparent that he wasn't quite happy there.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:40:58 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messi-slams-psg-speaks-about-mbappe-and-2026-world-cup/ Andre Onana's first Champions League fixture at Manchester United couldn't have gone much worse. The former Ajax man conceded four times as Bayern Munich beat the Red Devils 4-3, but it was the Bundesliga side's opening goal that was the worst, with the shot-stopper making a massive howler.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:40:39 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-most-brutally-honest-player-interviews-ever/ If it wasn't already clear the impact that Lionel Messi has had at Inter Miami and on their surge in popularity, then the fans' reaction to his injury against Toronto on Wednesday certainly did the job. The Argentine returned to the side's lineup against the Canadian team after missing Miami's previous two matches. It wasn't the hero's homecoming that both Messi and the fans in attendance were hoping for, though, and he was substituted in the 39th minute after an injury rendered him unable to continue.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:57:15 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/eye-opening-video-shows-reaction-from-fans-lionel-messi-injured-inter-miami-toronto-mls/ The Champions League is back upon us and we've already been treated to a moment of pure drama as goalkeeper Ivan Provedel scored a 95th-minute equaliser for Lazio against Atletico Madrid in the Group E match that ended 1-1. Elsewhere, we saw plenty of talent in action as Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi got on the score sheet in Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:27:33 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/best-xi-not-in-champions-league-messi-ronaldo-neymar/ Jamie Carragher has become one of the most popular football pundits in the game during his career in the media. The former Liverpool man called time on his playing career in 2013 and soon stepped into a new role as a TV pundit and commentator for football. His wild personality and hilarious chemistry with Gary Neville have really endeared him to fans. One man who isn't too impressed with the Englishman, though, is Lionel Messi.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:06:20 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/jamie-carragher-reads-dm-lionel-messi-live-tv-paris-saint-germain/ The 2023/24 Champions League Group Stage will be the last of its kind, with the format changing for next season's competition into a 'Swiss-style' league setup, putting to an end the eight groups of four seen for so long. During that time, there have been dozens of great goalscorers gracing the group stage, ensuring their teams progress smoothly to the knockout rounds when the tension starts to ramp up.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:29 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/champions-league-most-group-stage-goals/ Clear any plans on the upcoming Tuesday's and Wednesday's - Champions League football is finally back. Manchester City are looking to retain their status as champions, while Real Madrid will be looking to snatch the title back from them. It's certainly poised to be a nail-biter with.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:14:38 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/1800121-ronaldo-messi-mbappe-who-has-the-most-goal-contributions-in-champions-league-history/ The UEFA Champions League has finally returned for the 2023/24 campaign and remains as the world's most prestigious club competition, without a doubt, showcasing the best talent football has to offer.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 11:22:45 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/champions-league-greatest-players/ In years gone by, most aspiring footballers would have dreamt of winning the league, the FA Cup or, of course, the World Cup. Ask modern youngsters which trophy they aspire to win, however, and many of them would say the Champions League.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:23:48 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/1428706-the-20-youngest-goalscorers-in-champions-league-history-what-happened-to-them/ Following their moves to Saudi Arabia and the USA respectively, this season will be the first time in 21 seasons that neither of Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will participate in the Champions League.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:57:57 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/champions-league-what-happened-the-last-time-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-didnt-play/ The nominees for the best FIFA Men's Player of the year in 2023 have been revealed, with only one English player making the cut, shockingly.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:33:24 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-nominees-for-the-2023-best-fifa-mens-player-have-caused-a-stir/ A graphic mustered up by GDC Media has sent the online world of football into a frenzy with some very debatable picks. Ranking the top 100 footballers to ever exist is, of course, a challenging task, but it’ll be back to the drawing board for the list-makers this time around considering the backlash they have received.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 13:47:40 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/controversial-list-of-100-greatest-footballers-ever-emerges-ft-ronaldo-messi-pele/ Few names in football echo as loudly as Lionel Messi, who, in the eyes of many, is the best player to ever grace the sport.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:52:38 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/players-next-lionel-messi-where-now/ Despite not being included in Argentina's match day squad for their game against Bolivia recently, Lionel Messi was spotted on the team's bench watching proceedings unfold from there. Now usually, players who aren't involved in the squad on a particular match day are forced to watch the game from the stands among the spectators, but the former Barcelona man is different. There's a very good reason for his appearance on the bench too.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 09:14:26 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/reason-lionel-messi-argentina-bench-v-bolivia-despite-not-in-squad/