Real Madrid News
Lionel Messi names Real Madrid superstar as a future contender for the Ballon d’Or
Speaking in an interview with L’Equipe, Ballon d’Or 2023 winner Lionel Messi has named Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. as a possible contender to win the prestigious honour in the future.
Messi won the Golden Orb last night in France for a record eighth time in his career, after having led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup 2022 triumph.
The 36-year-old former Barcelona captain beat Real Madrid targets Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to the grand prize, while Vinicius Jr. and Luka Modric were able to finish within the top ten in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Vinicius among the future contenders, claims Messi
During the interview with L’Equipe, Messi, who is now plying his trade in the MLS with Inter Miami, was asked to name the players who he sees competing for the Ballon d’Or in the future.
In response, the Argentina captain said: “It could be hotly contested in the coming years with players like Haaland, Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. There are lots of young players that will fight for the Ballon d’Or.”
“I also think that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young but who has already played very well with Barcelona and has become an important player. There will certainly be others who will fight for it as well with other players yet to appear. It will be a new era.”
Vinicius aspires to win the Ballon d’Or
Last night’s Ballon d’Or gala was a successful one for Vinicius Jr. as well, as he won the Socrates Award for his contributions towards helping education in Brazil as well as his fight against racism in football.
Speaking after receiving his award, the 23-year-old Real Madrid superstar confessed that he dreams about winning the Golden Orb in the future, saying:
“Hopefully one day I can win the Ballon d’Or. I always say that I want to win many Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
