Ronaldo, Messi Ballon d’Or rivalry on hold as award dropped for 2020

Marcus Rashford speaks about Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United as well as England's preparations for their upcoming World Cup match against Wales.

Argentina have eased the pressure from their shock opening World Cup defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia by beating Mexico on Saturday and can now approach their final group game against Poland with peace of mind, captain Lionel Messi said.

The majority of Portugal fans believe that Cristiano Ronaldo should not start for the national team at the World Cup. In a recent survey conducted by the Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola, 70% of fans said he should be dropped. Ronaldo has struggled to make his mark in Qatar, and has looked off the pace and out of shape.

Lionel Messi is still at the World Cup after Argentina cruised, collapsed and finally conquered in the face of Dutch resistance. Support for the Albiceleste is felt around the world and, at least for Messi, even beyond.

Argentina fans burst into song and dance as Argentina and Lionel Messi move on to the World Cup final with a 3-0 win over Croatia.

Lionel Messi guides Argentina to a sixth World Cup final, meaning their star player will once again get a chance at lifting the trophy of his dreams. The Albiceleste beat Croatia 3-0 with an outstanding performance from their number 10.

Lionel Messi guides Argentina to a sixth World Cup final, meaning their star player will once again get a chance at lifting the trophy of his dreams. The Albiceleste beat Croatia 3-0 with an outstanding performance from their number 10.

Lionel Messi has been dubbed the greatest player of all time after he led Argentina to the World Cup final in sensational style. The 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d'Or winner scored a penalty and set up Julian Alvarez for another in a 3-0 win.

Argentina won the World Cup on Sunday (December 18), defeating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time.

Brazil’s Ronaldo Luís Nazário has congratulated Argentina and Lionel Messi after they beat France to win the World Cup. Messi was also honored with the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player. In a tweet, Ronaldo said that “football of this type dispels any rivalry”. He noted that many Brazilians were cheering for Messi during the "electrifying final”. "A farewell worthy of the genius who, far beyond being a World Cup star, led an era.

Messi says he won't retire from international football after captaining Argentina to its first World Cup trophy in 36 years. "I love football, it's what I do," he said. Messi turns 36 next year but believes he has plenty to offer his country.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Saudi Arabia club, AlNassr FC as a free agent on a €200 million per year contract for two seasons. Saudi Arabia club Al Nassr announced the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo on December 31, 2022, on a two-year contract, paying the Portuguese player €200 million per year.