Fahad Zulfi’s Post

The last one remains a matter of opinion, but there can be no arguing that Lionel Messi is not one of the greatest footballers to play the game. The forward, 36, won his eighth Ballon d'Or - three more than any other player - on Monday and continues to set records that may never be broken. Messi guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in December before ending his 20-year career in European football with Barcelona to join Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami in America in July. As he continues to shine - for club and country - we look at some of the milestones and records Messi has set over the years. It was no surprise when Messi was announced as the men's Ballon d'Or winner, the award for the best footballer in the world for the 2022-23 season. His inspirational role in helping Argentina win the World Cup for the first time since 1986 almost guaranteed he would extend his record of award wins to eight - despite the best efforts of prolific Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Cristiano Ronaldo, now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, is Messi's closest rival with five, but, aged 38 and not even nominated in the 30-man shortlist, it is hard to see the Portugal forward challenging Messi's haul. Such is Messi and Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or domination, the only other two previous winners still playing are Croatia's Luka Modric and France's Karim Benzema. With both well into their 30s, they do not stand a chance of getting near the record. Haaland, Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham, Real and Brazil forward Vinicius Jr and even Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane will fancy their chances of being in the mix in future, but it will be a long time before anyone gets near Messi. #Football #Sport #LionelMessi #Ballond'Or #Thegreatest #Game #TheSocialTalk

When discussing the incredible careers of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, it's impossible not to mention their impact on the world of football. Whether you're captivated by #Messi's magic or #Ronaldo's relentless drive, both players have earned their spots as the #GOATs of the game. From #CR7's Champions League triumphs to #LionelMessi's World Cup glory, these #FootballLegends continue to inspire millions around the globe. Their rivalry, often dubbed #MessiVsRonaldo, has defined an era, making them true #FootballIcons who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Lionel Messi: 1. Early Start: Messi joined FC Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 13. 2. Debut: Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona on November 16, 2003, in a friendly match against Porto at 16. 3. Goals Record: Messi is Barcelona's all-time top scorer, with 672 goals in 778 appearances. 4. Ballon d'Or Wins: Messi has won the Ballon d'Or a record seven times (as of 2023). 5. La Liga Titles: Messi has won 10 La Liga titles with Barcelona. 6. Assist King: Messi is also known for his playmaking ability, with over 300 assists in his career. 7. National Success: Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 8. Club Loyalty: Messi spent 21 years at Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. 9. Height: Messi is 5'7" (170 cm) tall, considered short for a footballer, but his low center of gravity aids his dribbling. 10. Charity Work: Messi runs the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to education and health care for vulnerable children. Cristiano Ronaldo: 1. Early Life: Ronaldo was born in Madeira, Portugal, on February 5, 1985. 2. Sporting Lisbon Start: Ronaldo started his professional career with Sporting Lisbon before moving to Manchester United in 2003. 3. Goals Galore: Ronaldo has scored over 800 career goals for club and country, making him one of the top scorers in football history. 4. Ballon d'Or Wins: Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or five times (as of 2023). 5. Champions League Success: Ronaldo has won the UEFA Champions League five times, four with Real Madrid and once with Manchester United. 6. National Glory: Ronaldo led Portugal to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. 7. Physical Attributes: Ronaldo is known for his exceptional physical fitness, with a height of 6'2" (187 cm) and a vertical leap comparable to NBA players. 8. Multiple Leagues: Ronaldo has won league titles in England (Premier League), Spain (La Liga), and Italy (Serie A). 9. Marketing Icon: Ronaldo is one of the world's most marketable athletes, with sponsorship deals including Nike, CR7, and many others. 10. Charity Work: Ronaldo is known for his charitable contributions, including funding hospitals, donating blood, and paying for medical treatments for children in need.

LIONEL MESSI PRAISES REAL MADRID AS THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD Messi's Respect for Real Madrid: Lionel Messi, the legendary FC Barcelona player, recently gave credit to Real Madrid as the best team in the world. Messi, who came from Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, faced off against Real Madrid in many intense El Clasico matches throughout his career. Departure from Barcelona: In 2021, Messi left Barcelona after the club couldn't renew his contract due to financial constraints. He then joined Paris Saint-Germain and faced Real Madrid once again in a Champions League match in 2022. Real Madrid's Champions League Victory: Real Madrid recently won the Champions League for the 15th time by defeating Borussia Dortmund in the final. Messi believes this victory solidifies Real Madrid as the strongest team in the world. Messi's Opinion: According to Messi, if the best team is determined by results, then Real Madrid takes the crown. However, he also mentioned that Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, is a strong contender based on the quality of play. Future Plans for Messi: Messi is gearing up to help Argentina defend their Copa America title this summer. This could potentially be his last international tournament as he approaches the age of 37. Possibility of Playing in the 2026 World Cup: Despite his age, Messi hasn't ruled out playing in the 2026 World Cup. He mentioned that it depends on how he feels physically and mentally. The different playing conditions in North America compared to Europe could also impact his decision. In conclusion, Messi remains open to the possibility of competing in future tournaments, including the World Cup, as long as he feels up to the challenge.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will play against each other in February 2024 in Saudi Arabia during the Riyadh Season Cup. Inter Miami, Messi's team, will face Al-Hilal on January 29 and Al-Nassr on February 2. This means Messi will play against Karim Benzema and Ronaldo within three days. The two superstars have played against each other 36 times, with Messi's team winning 16 times, Ronaldo's team winning 11 times, and the remaining games ending in draws. Messi scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists, while Ronaldo scored 21 goals and had one assist in these encounters. Messi, who is 36 years old, became famous playing for Barcelona, while Ronaldo, 38, reached great heights at Real Madrid after moving from Manchester United in 2009. Their most recent meeting was in January when Paris Saint-Germain, Messi's former team, won 5-4 against a Riyadh All-Stars XI in Saudi Arabia. Many thought this might be the last time Messi and Ronaldo shared a pitch as they approach the end of their careers on different continents. Ideally, their final match would have been in the World Cup or Champions League, but the Riyadh Season Cup now offers a potential conclusion to their long-standing rivalry. For more than a decade, Messi and Ronaldo have been the stars of world football, winning numerous awards. Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid in 2009 made them rivals for nine seasons in one of Europe's major derbies. Fans have debated endlessly about who is the better player, with Messi winning eight Ballon d'Or awards and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. However, these debates are likely to continue as long as both players are active in the sport. #sport #Messi #Ronaldo #team #player #SaudiArabia #games

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will play against each other in February 2024 in Saudi Arabia during the Riyadh Season Cup. Inter Miami, Messi's team, will face Al-Hilal on January 29 and Al-Nassr on February 2. This means Messi will play against Karim Benzema and Ronaldo within three days. The two superstars have played against each other 36 times, with Messi's team winning 16 times, Ronaldo's team winning 11 times, and the remaining games ending in draws. Messi scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists, while Ronaldo scored 21 goals and had one assist in these encounters. Messi, who is 36 years old, became famous playing for Barcelona, while Ronaldo, 38, reached great heights at Real Madrid after moving from Manchester United in 2009. Their most recent meeting was in January when Paris Saint-Germain, Messi's former team, won 5-4 against a Riyadh All-Stars XI in Saudi Arabia. Many thought this might be the last time Messi and Ronaldo shared a pitch as they approach the end of their careers on different continents. Ideally, their final match would have been in the World Cup or Champions League, but the Riyadh Season Cup now offers a potential conclusion to their long-standing rivalry. For more than a decade, Messi and Ronaldo have been the stars of world football, winning numerous awards. Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid in 2009 made them rivals for nine seasons in one of Europe's major derbies. Fans have debated endlessly about who is the better player, with Messi winning eight Ballon d'Or awards and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. However, these debates are likely to continue as long as both players are active in the sport. #sport #Messi #Ronaldo #team #player #SaudiArabia #games

ARGENTINA CLINCHES 16th COPA AMERICA TITLE IN DRAMATIC FASHION Argentina's Victory: Argentina secured their record 16th Copa America title with a thrilling extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez. The final match was filled with drama as thousands of ticketless fans tried to enter the stadium, causing a delay of over an hour. The win marked Argentina's third successive major trophy, following their 2021 Copa America success and the World Cup triumph in 2022. Match Highlights: The game kicked off late at the Hard Rock Stadium due to security concerns. Despite the delay, both teams put on a competitive show. Manchester City's Julian Alvarez and Liverpool's Luis Diaz had early chances, but it was Martinez who stole the spotlight with his game-winning goal in extra time. Lionel Messi's Injury: The match took a somber turn when Lionel Messi had to leave the field due to injury. The star player, who had been a key figure for Argentina, was unable to continue and watched the rest of the game from the bench in tears. Security Concerns: The match was marred by security issues as fans without tickets tried to force their way into the stadium. The chaos led to the match being delayed multiple times and caused damage to the property. Despite the challenges, the game eventually resumed and Argentina emerged victorious. In the end, Argentina's triumph was a testament to their resilience and determination. The team overcame obstacles on and off the field to claim the coveted Copa America title once again. #CopaAmerica

To say that last night was a huge night for soccer (football) in Canada would be an understatement. Canada made its CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 debut last night in Atlanta against Argentina in the tournament opener. While Canada eventually lost the match, we showed extreme grit and dexterity, taking the reigning world and South American champion to the limit. On the pitch were two of the sport’s biggest juggernauts - Lionel Messi and Alphonso Davies. Some of you may be thinking/saying, ‘they are both great, but there is a clear separation between the two’. Well, you’re right. when you ask Canadian’s, there are clear differences between them. But not necessarily ones that you would expect: 📢 Awareness: Messi is the clear leader for Canadians aware of the respective athletes, with nearly 1.5xs the recognition. 7 in 10 (69%) of Canadians are aware of Messi, while 1 in 2 (44%) are aware of Davies. 💗 Likeability: Among Canadians aware of the respective athletes, Davies scores big with a likeability score of nearly 1.5xs. 1 in 2 (48%) declare Davies as ‘likeable’ versus 1 in 3 (34%) for Messi. 👋 Desire to Meet: This one ends in a draw, and it’s definitely not nil-nil. Canadians are pretty clear about wanting the opportunity to meet both athletes, with 36% wanting to meet Messi and 37% wanting to meet Davies. 💰 Sponsor Impact Potential: And the tie breaker goes to…Davies! Among Canadians aware of the respective athletes, sponsorship impact potential for Davies is nearly double that of Messi (30% versus 16%). Yes, Canada lost the match. But we came out of it with some big wins and solid momentum. Let’s get em’! SponsorPulse™ I CONMEBOL I Canada Soccer #CopaAmérica2024 #AlphonsoDavies #LionelMessi

Barcelona 2 v 0 Osasuna: Barcelona beat Osasuna to set up final with Real Madrid Barcelona beat Osasuna in Saudi Arabia to set up a Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday with Real Madrid. After a goalless first half, Robert Lewandowski put Barca ahead in the 59th minute when he scored with a low shot after collecting Ilkay Gundogan’s pass. Andreas Christensen and Lewandowski had earlier had shots saved by Sergio Herrera, with Ante Budimir missing a good opportunity for Osasuna. Lamine Yamal scored Barca’s second goal in the third minute of added time. Barca have won the Spanish Super Cup a record 14 times and take on current La Liga leaders Real as they seek a 15th triumph. The competition features the top three sides from last season’s La Liga – champions Barcelona, runners-up Real and third-placed Atletico Madrid, as well as Osasuna, who lost to Real in the Copa del Rey final. All the matches are taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and this was the second of three games. On Wednesday, Atletico were five minutes away from moving into the final before Real’s Dani Carvajal scored to make it 3-3 and take it to extra time, with goals from Joselu and Brahim Diaz giving them a 5-3 victory. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Reddit

How much is it worth to win the Coppa Italia? ✅ 2024 Semifinalists ▪ Juventus Football Club ▪ Lazio ▪ ACF Fiorentina ▪ Atalanta B.C. ✅ The € prizes up to the final Below are the figures collected for each "step" of the knockout stage: ☑ Reaching the round of 16 - €400K ☑ Quarterfinals - €850K ☑ Semifinals - €1.7m ☑ Losing finalist - €2m ☑ Victory in the final - €4.6m 👉 A total of €5m for the losing finalist and up to €7.6m for the winner. ❗ + stadium revenues for each match played at home. ✅ Access to the Italian Super Cup In 2025, the format will be the Final Four. ❓ Who will qualify? ▪ The top two ranked teams in Lega Serie A. ▪ The two finalists in the 2024 Coppa Italia. The Final Four will be held in January 2025 in Saudi Arabia. ✅ The numbers behind the Italian Super Cup ❓ How much will the clubs earn? 👉 16 million will be distributed to the four participating clubs. ☑ The two semifinalists: €1.5m ☑ Losing finalist: €5m   ☑ The winner: €8m ✅ Coppa Italia + Italian Super Cup potential revenues The access to the Coppa Italia final means earnings of: minimum €6.5m - maximum €15.6m Gaining access to the Italian Cup final leads: ✔ a chance to win a trophy ✔ revenues thanks to participation in the Final Four of the Super Cup ✔ an opportunity to sign new commercial contracts since the Final Four is played in Saudi Arabia ❓ Who will win the Cup? #footballbusiness #linkedinsports #sportbiz Data: Calcio e Finanza

Copa América 2024 final preview: Argentina vs Colombia. 🏆 The battle for the title of the 48th edition of the Copa América is on! 💥 Will Argentina claim a record-breaking 16th title, or will Colombia claim their second-ever Conmebol Copa América title? 🥇 This Sunday, the three-week-long CONMEBOL Copa América comes to an end at the Hard Rock Stadium. A 65,000-capacity stadium and befitting venue for the continental contest dubbed 'Rocking the Continent.' Led by eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, tournament favourites Argentina will unsheathe their swords against Colombia for the continent's ultimate football prize. Despite failing to surpass their total xG in the group stage, La Albiceleste won all three of their games before heading straight into the quarterfinals. Ecuador proved to be a tough nut to crack, but a 4-2 win via penalties got Scaloni’s men over the line before putting Canada aside in a 2-0 semi-final win.   Colombia, on the other hand, surpassed their total xG from the group stage, where they finished as leaders, before picking Panama apart in a 5-0 quarterfinal win. A feisty, event-laden 1-0 semifinal win over Uruguay, despite marshalling on with ten men for the entire second half, ensured they reached the final. Now, they will be looking to take the most prestigious scalp of the tournament. While Argentina remains unbeaten in the last three games against Colombia, they have only won once, that being their third win in eight games against La Tricolor [3W, 4D, 1L]. This weekend, they will be out for another win in an attempt to earn a record 16th Copa America title. It promises to be exciting! Will Messi lead Argentina to successive major international trophies, or will a dogged Colombia stop them in their tracks? #CopaAmerica2024 #CopaAmerica #Football #Soccer #Sportsdata #CopaAmerica2024Final #CopaAmericaFinal #FootballAnalysis #FootballAPI