Football

Cristiano was a monster and father of the monster is Messi: Pep Guardiola after Rodri win Ballon d’Or

The last two decades of football have been thoroughly dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, especially as far as winning Ballon d’Or is concerned. While the Portuguese has won the coveted individual award on five occasions, the Argentine has won it a record-breaking eight times.

On Monday, Manchester City and Spain’s midfielder Rodri won the Ballon d’Or and ended Spain’s long wait for the prize. Luis Suarez was the last Spaniard to win the award back in 1960 while playing for Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Messi and Ronaldo are regarded as two of the best players of the current era and have won almost everything in world football. 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola feels only Cristiano Ronaldo could beat Lionel Messi.

Pep Guardiola said, “No one could beat Messi, only Cristiano. Cristiano was a monster and the father of the monster is Messi. And both have done something incredible in the last 20 years.”

Guardiola feels Spain’s Andre Iniesta, who recently retired from professional football and Xavi, also deserved to win the Ballon d’Or but could not claim it because of Ronaldo and Messi’s dominance.

“Maybe Xavi and Iniesta deserved it as well. So I think Rodri yesterday got what the Spanish football deserved worldwide,” he further added.

On the other hand, Guardiola also provided an update on midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who suffered a thigh injury against Inter Milan on September 18.

“I would like to tell you, especially I would like to know it, but I don’t know right now,” Guardiola said when asked when De Bruyne will be back. “He feels that he can train, but not to go to that level that we need in competition. When you kick the ball or something, he still has pain and he doesn’t feel [right]. Kevin has to feel good to express his huge talent that he has. He’s feeling better, but not the best.”

On City’s injury list, Guardiola added: “For sure, if these guys don’t come back as quick as possible, we’ll struggle, because we cannot sustain with just 14, 15 players for the season. We need the players to come back.”

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

WV Raman reveals what makes Sai Sudharsan special, says he has got the basics right

Former Indian batter WV Raman believes Sai Sudharsan has got all the ingredients to become… Read More

April 17, 2025

Top 3 goal-scorers of ISL 2024-25 season

The 11th season of the Indian Super League ended after Mohun Bagan Super Giant won… Read More

April 17, 2025

French Open plans major opening day tribute for Rafael Nadal

French Open has planned a major opening day tribute for Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard, who… Read More

April 17, 2025

Mikel Arteta proud after Arsenal beat Real Madrid in Champions League quarterfinals

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was proud of his team after they qualified for the… Read More

April 17, 2025

Carlo Ancelotti not sure about Real Madrid’s future after UCL exit

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is not sure regarding his future with the club… Read More

April 17, 2025

Dallas Mavericks keep playoff hope alive after win against Sacramento Kings

Dallas Mavericks were able to keep their playoff hope afloat after a 120-106 win over… Read More

April 17, 2025