Lionel Messi names five footballers that his kids love watching; snubs Cristiano Ronaldo from list

Messi named stop five stars who are inspirations to many kids.

Lionel Messi’s recent interview left Cristiano Ronaldo fans astounded when the forward was questioned which star footballers his kids love watching the most, and the Argentine didn’t mention the Portuguese forward.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has three sons named Thiago, Mateo and Ciro with long-term partner Antonela Roccuzzo. When recently asked in an interview with Simplemente Fútbol, which star footballers his kids love watching the most, look up to or copy some football players.

Furthermore, Messi omitted both Ronaldo and himself from the list entirely, despite their longstanding rivalry. He instead yelled out five stars from a fresh group of players, and sure enough, Cristiano wasn’t there.

“Kids observe and copy everything,” Messi remarked. “They follow everyone, and they know everybody.”

“The players my kids are following? Mbappé, Vinicius, Yamal, Lewandowski, Haaland…”

He mentioned Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and the young sensation Lamine Yamal when questioned. Even though that’s five huge names, Ronaldo fans still find the omission upsetting.

Considering the former Real Madrid player has a massive following on social media and has certainly inspired many kids, Messi’s comments will certainly not go well with Ronaldo’s fans.

It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal is doing: Lionel Messi

Lamine Yamal was the most notable name Messi mentioned. The 17-year-old Barcelona player is already dominating European football. Messi was full of admiration for the teenager who is presently leading Barcelona to a possible treble and who helped Spain win Euro 2024.

“It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal is doing and has already achieved,” Messi said.

“He’s just 17, in the middle of a growth process, and will keep on growing and contributing, just as I did.”

Yamal is obviously making his impact. He was a key player in Barcelona’s thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Celta Vigo over the weekend and also a 1-0 win against Mallorca, which kept them at the top of LaLiga table.

Messi isn’t merely hyping a club protégé here. His remarks confirm the generational transition that many in the football community are currently witnessing. Additionally, Messi observes that other names are taking the place in the spotlight in that new wave.

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