<p>Lionel Messi will miss another game for Paris Saint-Germain after acknowledging that his recovery from COVID-19 has been slower than expected.</p>

<p>The Argentina forward won't be available for Saturday's game against Brest at Parc des Princes, PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino said Friday.</p>

<p>The 34-year-old Messi missed PSG's 1-1 draw at Lyon last Sunday when the French league returned from its winter break. Messi had become infected while home in Argentina. He later tested negative and returned to Paris.</p>

<p>Messi said in a social media post on Thursday that "it has taken me more time than I had expected to get better" but that he's "almost recovered" and eager to get back on the field.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/manchester-city-coach-pep-guardiola-confirms-new-covid-19-cases-ahead-of-chelsea-game-444812">Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola confirms new COVID-19 cases ahead of Chelsea game</a></strong></p>

<p>"I have been training these days to get back to 100%," he wrote on Instagram.<br />
"There are some very exciting challenges ahead this year and I hope that we can all see one another again very soon."</p>

<p>Pochettino said Messi remains under the supervision of the team's medical staff. The club said Friday that Messi "will gradually rejoin the squad next week."</p>

<p>After this weekend, league-leader PSG hosts Reims on Jan. 23 before the international break.<br />
Neymar remains out because of an ankle injury he picked up in late November and wasn't included in the Brazil squad announced Thursday for World Cup qualifying.</p>

<p>Argentina and Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup.</p>


Lionel Messi will miss another game for Paris Saint-Germain after acknowledging that his recovery from COVID-19 has been slower than expected. The Argentina forward won't be available for Saturday's game against Brest at Parc des Princes, PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino said Friday.

Lionel Messi will miss another game for Paris Saint-Germain after acknowledging that his recovery from COVID-19 has been slower than expected. The Argentina forward won't be available for Saturday's game against Brest at Parc des Princes, PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino said Friday. The 34-year-old Messi missed PSG's 1-1 draw at Lyon last Sunday when the French league returned from its winter break. Messi had become infected while home in Argentina. He later tested negative and returned to Paris. Messi said in a social media post on Thursday that "it has taken me more time than I had expected to get better" but that he's "almost recovered" and eager to get back on the field. Read Also | Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola confirms new COVID-19 cases ahead of Chelsea game "I have been training these days to get back to 100%," he wrote on Instagram. "There are some very exciting challenges ahead this year and I hope that we can all see one another again very soon." Pochettino said Messi remains under the supervision of the team's medical staff. The club said Friday that Messi "will gradually rejoin the squad next week." After this weekend, league-leader PSG hosts Reims on Jan. 23 before the international break. Neymar remains out because of an ankle injury he picked up in late November and wasn't included in the Brazil squad announced Thursday for World Cup qualifying. Argentina and Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup.

Lionel Messi set to miss another game for PSG due to slow recovery from Covid-19 infection

<p>Argentina's captain and Paris Saint Germain's superstar Lionel Messi has tested negative for the Covid-19 infection and returned to Paris. For the unversed, the 34-year-old footballer had tested positive along with three other PSG players (Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala) ahead of the club's French Cup face-off against Vannes on January 2.</p>

<p>However, Messi has returned to France from Argentina following his negative test and will also resume training with&nbsp;his PSG squad members in the next few days.&nbsp;<iframe aria-label="Advertisement" data-google-container-id="8" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1007232/Indiatoday_Teads_1x1_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1007232/Indiatoday_Teads_1x1_0" role="region" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" tabindex="0" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>He had spent the Christmas break in Argentina with his family members, however,&nbsp;his return to France got&nbsp;delayed due to a positive PCR test shortly after the dawn of the New Year.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/league-cup-arsenal-vs-liverpool-semi-final-first-leg-postponed-due-to-covid-19-revised-dates-out-442486"><strong>League Cup: Arsenal vs Liverpool semi-final first leg postponed due to Covid-19, revised dates out</strong></a></p>

<p>Back then, the club had released an official statement and said, "They are currently in isolation and are subject to the appropriate health protocol."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Neymar JR will continue his treatment in Brazil until 9 January with members of the Paris Saint-Germain medical and performance staff. His return to training is still expected to be in about 3 weeks," the statement further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi, the seven-times Ballon d'Or winner, was out of action for PSG's 4-0 victory away to third-tier club Vannes on Monday (January 3) in a French Cup round-of-32 encounter. In his absence, Kylian Mbappe was the star-performer with his hat-trick along with one goal from&nbsp;Presnel Kimpembe.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentine-dj-responds-after-being-labelled-murderer-by-fans-over-lionel-messis-positive-covid-19-test-442031"><strong>Argentine DJ responds after being labelled 'murderer' by fans over Lionel Messi's positive COVID-19 test</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about the Ligue 1 standings, Mauricio Pochettino's team remain atop with&nbsp;46 points after 19 matches.&nbsp;PSG is followed by Nice (13 points behind the table-toppers), Marseille and Rennes in the top four.</p>


Argentina's captain and Paris Saint Germain's superstar Lionel Messi has tested negative for the Covid-19 infection and returned to Paris. For the unversed, the 34-year-old footballer had tested positive along with three other PSG players (Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala) ahead of the club's French Cup face-off against Vannes on January 2.

Argentina's captain and Paris Saint Germain's superstar Lionel Messi has tested negative for the Covid-19 infection and returned to Paris. For the unversed, the 34-year-old footballer had tested positive along with three other PSG players (Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala) ahead of the club's French Cup face-off against Vannes on January 2. However, Messi has returned to France from Argentina following his negative test and will also resume training with his PSG squad members in the next few days. He had spent the Christmas break in Argentina with his family members, however, his return to France got delayed due to a positive PCR test shortly after the dawn of the New Year. ALSO READ | League Cup: Arsenal vs Liverpool semi-final first leg postponed due to Covid-19, revised dates out Back then, the club had released an official statement and said, "They are currently in isolation and are subject to the appropriate health protocol." "Neymar JR will continue his treatment in Brazil until 9 January with members of the Paris Saint-Germain medical and performance staff. His return to training is still expected to be in about 3 weeks," the statement further added. Messi, the seven-times Ballon d'Or winner, was out of action for PSG's 4-0 victory away to third-tier club Vannes on Monday (January 3) in a French Cup round-of-32 encounter. In his absence, Kylian Mbappe was the star-performer with his hat-trick along with one goal from Presnel Kimpembe. ALSO READ | Argentine DJ responds after being labelled 'murderer' by fans over Lionel Messi's positive COVID-19 test Talking about the Ligue 1 standings, Mauricio Pochettino's team remain atop with 46 points after 19 matches. PSG is followed by Nice (13 points behind the table-toppers), Marseille and Rennes in the top four.

Lionel Messi returns to Paris after testing negative for Covid-19; to resume training in coming days

<p>Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was the top scorer of the calendar year in 2021 with a stunning 69 goals from 59 matches. The Polish forward has been a prolific goal-scorer for his national team and the Bundesliga giants over the years but has taken his game to a whole new level in the past few years.</p>

<p>Lewandowski has been ruling the Bundesliga goalscoring charts for the last few years and has been an unstoppable force for Bayern. He might have missed out on winning his maiden Ballon d'Or in 2021 but Lewandowski broke several records with his goal-scoring exploits throughout the year as he finished as the top-scorer of 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Here we take a look at the top goal-scorers in a calendar year since 2017:</strong></p>

<p><b>2017 - Harry Kane (56 goals from 52 games)</b></p>

<p>England and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane had his best campaign in the year 2017 when he scored a whopping 56 goals in 52 games for club and country. Kane became the first player to outscore both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo that year with his sensational run. He won the Premier League Golden Boot for the 2016-17 season and also broke Alan Shearer's record for most Premier League goals in a calendar year.</p>

<p><strong>2018 - Lionel Messi (51 goals in 54 games)</strong></p>

<p>Lionel Messi, who holds the record for most goals in a calendar year by any footballer with a staggering 91 goals in the year 2012, had topped the goal-scoring charts in the 2018 season. One of the best footballers of all time, the Argentine icon scored 51 goals in 54 matches in the year 2018. It was the eighth time in nine years that Messi scored 50 or more goals in a calendar year, extending his dominance in world football.</p>

<p><strong>2019 - Robert Lewandowski (54 goals in 58 games)</strong></p>

<p>Robert Lewandowski had a phenomenal season with Bayern Munich to end 2019 with the most goals in a calendar year for his club and national team combined. The Polish striker bagged an impressive 54 goals in 58 games leaving the likes of Messi and Ronaldo behind to emerge as the top-scorer of the year. His brilliant run helped Bayern Munich claim the Bundesliga title and clinch the treble.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/robert-lewandowski-to-karim-benzema-top-five-goal-scorers-across-club-competitions-in-2021-438000">Robert Lewandowski to Karim Benzema: Top five goal-scorers across club competitions in 2021</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>2020 - Robert Lewandowski (47 goals in 44 games)</strong></p>

<p>Robert Lewandowski continued his magnificent goal-scoring form in the year 2020 as he once again emerged as the top scorer in the calendar year with 47 goals from 44 games for his club and the national team across all competitions. Lewandowski played an instrumental role in helping Bayern win the Champions League in 2020 and missed out on a deserved maiden Ballon d'Or as the awards were scrapped due to COVID-19.</p>

<p><strong>2021&nbsp;- Robert Lewandowski (69 goals in 55&nbsp;games)</strong></p>

<p>Robert Lewandowski's dream run continued in the year 2021 as he once again remained unstoppable for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. The Polish striker took his performances a notch higher with a whopping 69 goals in just 59 games. He broke German legend Gerd Muller's record for most goals in a single Bundesliga season with 41 goals in just 29 league games. For Poland, he struck 11 times in 12 matches to finish the year with most goals by any player across the globe.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was the top scorer of the calendar year in 2021 with a stunning 69 goals from 59 matches. The Polish forward has been a prolific goal-scorer for his national team and the Bundesliga giants over the years but has taken his game to a whole new level in the past few years.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was the top scorer of the calendar year in 2021 with a stunning 69 goals from 59 matches. The Polish forward has been a prolific goal-scorer for his national team and the Bundesliga giants over the years but has taken his game to a whole new level in the past few years. Lewandowski has been ruling the Bundesliga goalscoring charts for the last few years and has been an unstoppable force for Bayern. He might have missed out on winning his maiden Ballon d'Or in 2021 but Lewandowski broke several records with his goal-scoring exploits throughout the year as he finished as the top-scorer of 2021. Here we take a look at the top goal-scorers in a calendar year since 2017: 2017 - Harry Kane (56 goals from 52 games) England and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane had his best campaign in the year 2017 when he scored a whopping 56 goals in 52 games for club and country. Kane became the first player to outscore both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo that year with his sensational run. He won the Premier League Golden Boot for the 2016-17 season and also broke Alan Shearer's record for most Premier League goals in a calendar year. 2018 - Lionel Messi (51 goals in 54 games) Lionel Messi, who holds the record for most goals in a calendar year by any footballer with a staggering 91 goals in the year 2012, had topped the goal-scoring charts in the 2018 season. One of the best footballers of all time, the Argentine icon scored 51 goals in 54 matches in the year 2018. It was the eighth time in nine years that Messi scored 50 or more goals in a calendar year, extending his dominance in world football. 2019 - Robert Lewandowski (54 goals in 58 games) Robert Lewandowski had a phenomenal season with Bayern Munich to end 2019 with the most goals in a calendar year for his club and national team combined. The Polish striker bagged an impressive 54 goals in 58 games leaving the likes of Messi and Ronaldo behind to emerge as the top-scorer of the year. His brilliant run helped Bayern Munich claim the Bundesliga title and clinch the treble. Also Read: Robert Lewandowski to Karim Benzema: Top five goal-scorers across club competitions in 2021 2020 - Robert Lewandowski (47 goals in 44 games) Robert Lewandowski continued his magnificent goal-scoring form in the year 2020 as he once again emerged as the top scorer in the calendar year with 47 goals from 44 games for his club and the national team across all competitions. Lewandowski played an instrumental role in helping Bayern win the Champions League in 2020 and missed out on a deserved maiden Ballon d'Or as the awards were scrapped due to COVID-19. 2021 - Robert Lewandowski (69 goals in 55 games) Robert Lewandowski's dream run continued in the year 2021 as he once again remained unstoppable for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. The Polish striker took his performances a notch higher with a whopping 69 goals in just 59 games. He broke German legend Gerd Muller's record for most goals in a single Bundesliga season with 41 goals in just 29 league games. For Poland, he struck 11 times in 12 matches to finish the year with most goals by any player across the globe.

Lionel Messi to Robert Lewandowski: A look at players with most goals in a calendar year since 2017

<p>Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi had contracted COVID-19 during the Christmas break last year. Messi has been forced into isolation and is due to return to Paris as he continues to stay at his home in Argentina, following all the necessary isolation protocols before returning back to the club.</p>

<p>An Argentine DJ has been facing massive backlash over Messi's recent positive COVID-19 test as he is being blamed by the fans of the PSG footballer for his infection. The DJ - Fer Palacio had last week posted a picture with Messi on his Instagram account where he had thanked the Messi family for inviting him to perform at their New Year's eve bash.</p>

<p>Messi, who is one of the four first-team players at PSG to test positive for COVID-19, had attended several parties during the festive break. He later tested positive for the contagious virus and had to extend his stay in Rosario. Palacio has since been heavily abused by fans on social media with some also labelling him a 'murderer'.</p>

<p>The Argentine DJ took to Instagram on Monday (January 3) to share a post denying the accusations of having infected Messi. He also revealed that he had undergone a COVID-19 test ahead of travelling to Uruguay this week and has tested negative.</p>

<p>"I am a trend on Twitter because Messi tested positive for Covid-19," he said on Instagram. "They relate this to me saying that I infected him. They have even called me 'murderer'," Palacio said in a video on his Instagram story.</p>

<p>"I have a lot of very bad private messages. Yesterday I got tested because I have to travel to Uruguay and I do not have Covid-19," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-boss-thomas-tuchel-will-meet-dropped-romelu-lukaku-to-discuss-strikers-comments-442016">Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will meet dropped Romelu Lukaku to discuss striker's comment</a></strong></p>

<p>Messi is all set to miss PSG's next game against Vannes in the Coupe de France round of 32. The Argentine ace might also miss his side's next Ligue1 clash against Lyon on January 09. He is expected to be out for at least another week before returning to training.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi had contracted COVID-19 during the Christmas break last year. Messi has been forced into isolation and is due to return to Paris as he continues to stay at his home in Argentina, following all the necessary isolation protocols before returning back to the club.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi had contracted COVID-19 during the Christmas break last year. Messi has been forced into isolation and is due to return to Paris as he continues to stay at his home in Argentina, following all the necessary isolation protocols before returning back to the club. An Argentine DJ has been facing massive backlash over Messi's recent positive COVID-19 test as he is being blamed by the fans of the PSG footballer for his infection. The DJ - Fer Palacio had last week posted a picture with Messi on his Instagram account where he had thanked the Messi family for inviting him to perform at their New Year's eve bash. Messi, who is one of the four first-team players at PSG to test positive for COVID-19, had attended several parties during the festive break. He later tested positive for the contagious virus and had to extend his stay in Rosario. Palacio has since been heavily abused by fans on social media with some also labelling him a 'murderer'. The Argentine DJ took to Instagram on Monday (January 3) to share a post denying the accusations of having infected Messi. He also revealed that he had undergone a COVID-19 test ahead of travelling to Uruguay this week and has tested negative. "I am a trend on Twitter because Messi tested positive for Covid-19," he said on Instagram. "They relate this to me saying that I infected him. They have even called me 'murderer'," Palacio said in a video on his Instagram story. "I have a lot of very bad private messages. Yesterday I got tested because I have to travel to Uruguay and I do not have Covid-19," he added. Also Read: Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will meet dropped Romelu Lukaku to discuss striker's comment Messi is all set to miss PSG's next game against Vannes in the Coupe de France round of 32. The Argentine ace might also miss his side's next Ligue1 clash against Lyon on January 09. He is expected to be out for at least another week before returning to training.

Argentine DJ responds after being labelled 'murderer' by fans over Lionel Messi's positive COVID-19 test

<p>Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday (January 2) confirmed that the star player Lionel Messi has been tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) and has entered self-isolation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was one of four PSG players to test positive for the virus ahead of a French Cup match against Vannes.</p>

<p>The club released a statement to inform that four players that tested positive for COVID-19 are Leo Messi, Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/late-rodri-goal-gives-manchester-city-2-1-win-over-10-man-arsenal-441665">Late Rodri goal gives Manchester City 2-1 win over 10-man Arsenal</a></strong></p>

<p>"They are currently in isolation and are subject to the appropriate health protocol," a part of the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Neymar JR will continue his treatment in Brazil until 9 January with members of the Paris Saint-Germain medical and performance staff. His return to training is still expected to be in about 3 weeks," the statement further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi will miss Monday's cup tie and will likely also be sidelined for PSG's first Ligue 1 match since the winter break, at Lyon next Sunday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Medical update 📍<a href="https://twitter.com/Aspetar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Aspetar</a></p>
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<p>Ever since the Argentinian star has joined PSG after an emotional exit from Barcelona last summer, he has scored only one goal in 11 league appearances for PSG, although he has netted five times in the Champions League. His overall performance has not been how the fans hoped it would be.&nbsp;</p>


Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday (January 2) confirmed that the star player Lionel Messi has been tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) and has entered self-isolation.

Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday (January 2) confirmed that the star player Lionel Messi has been tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) and has entered self-isolation. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was one of four PSG players to test positive for the virus ahead of a French Cup match against Vannes. The club released a statement to inform that four players that tested positive for COVID-19 are Leo Messi, Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala. ALSO READ | Late Rodri goal gives Manchester City 2-1 win over 10-man Arsenal "They are currently in isolation and are subject to the appropriate health protocol," a part of the statement read. "Neymar JR will continue his treatment in Brazil until 9 January with members of the Paris Saint-Germain medical and performance staff. His return to training is still expected to be in about 3 weeks," the statement further added. Messi will miss Monday's cup tie and will likely also be sidelined for PSG's first Ligue 1 match since the winter break, at Lyon next Sunday. Medical update 📍@Aspetar — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 2, 2022 × Ever since the Argentinian star has joined PSG after an emotional exit from Barcelona last summer, he has scored only one goal in 11 league appearances for PSG, although he has netted five times in the Champions League. His overall performance has not been how the fans hoped it would be.

Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi tests positive for COVID-19

<p>2021 was eventful for sports as fans finally returned to the stadiums in many parts of the world while several major events were staged successfully after an unexpected halt last year. It was an year filled with some enthralling sporting action across the globe which saw some familiar, and some new names emerge as champions in their respective disciplines.</p>

<p>While Lionel Messi added another glorious chapter to his footballing legacy with a record seventh Ballon D'Or, India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra etched his name in history with an elusive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Chelsea went on a fairytale run in the Champions League and ended up becoming the champions of Europe while New Zealand became the first-ever World Test Champions in cricket history.</p>

<p>Indian cricket team missed out on an ICC trophy once again this year as the drought extended but the team scripted history Down Under as they went on to record their second successive Test series win in Australia. Despite missing regular skipper Virat Kohli and several other senior players, India clinched the four-match series 2-1.</p>

<p><strong>Here is a look back at some of the top winners from sporting events across the globe in 2021:</strong></p>

<p><strong>India win 2nd successive Test series in Australia</strong></p>

<p>2021 started on a brilliant note for the Indian cricket team as the Ajinkya Rahane-led side defeated Australia in their own backyard in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 in January. After suffering a humiliating 8-wicket defeat in the series-opener in Adelaide, India bounced back to win the next game before drawing the third Test. India then ended Australia's dominance at The Gabba to clinch the series 2-1. It was India's second successive Test series win on Australian soil.</p>

<p><strong>New Zealand win World Test Championship</strong></p>

<p>New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton to become the maiden Test champions of the world. The Kiwis were asked to chase a mere target of 139 runs in their second innings of the summit clash. They rode on superb knocks from Kane Williamson (52*) and Ross Taylor (47*) to win the World Test Championship final.</p>

<p><strong>Neeraj Chopra clinches gold at Tokyo Olympics&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Neeraj Chopra became the first athlete from India to win a gold medal at the Olympics in track and field. He brought an end to the country's 100-year-long wait for a gold medal in track and field with a stunning throw of 87.58m in the final of men's javelin throw to script history. Neeraj was India's only gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics this year.</p>

<p><strong>PV Sindhu wins 2nd Olympic medal&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals in Tokyo this year. After her silver at the Rio Olympics in 2016, Sindhu clinched bronze at the Tokyo Olympics this year to achieve the elusive feat. Sindhu defeated China's He Bing Jiao in the bronze medal match to finish with back-to-back medals at the Olympics. She is only the second Indian after wrestler Sushil Kumar to have won two individual Olympic medals.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/super-seven-the-heroes-of-indias-best-ever-olympic-campaign-in-tokyo-436350">Super Seven! The heroes of India's best-ever Olympic campaign in Tokyo</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Indian hockey team wins an Olympic medal after 41 years</strong></p>

<p>The Indian men's hockey team re-established their credentials as one of the top sides in the world with a superb show in the Tokyo Olympics this year. The Manpreet Singh-led side brought an end to a 41-year-long wait for an Olympic medal by clinching bronze. India defeated Germany 5-4 in the bronze medal match with the help of goals from Simranjeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (29th) and Rupinder Pal Singh.</p>

<p><strong>Chelsea win the Champions League title</strong></p>

<p>Not many had expected Chelsea to win the Champions League as the Blues were struggling in the Premier League when Thomas Tuchel had taken over from Frank Lampard in January this year. Tuchel worked wonders with the squad and inspired them to a memorable Champions League triumph. Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the final with the help of the goal from Kai Havertz to lift their second Champions League title.</p>

<p><strong>Chennai Super Kings bag fourth IPL title&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) completed a fairytale redemption to clinch their fourth IPL title this year. CSK had finished seventh in the previous season and had failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in history. However, Dhoni &amp; Co. went on to script an incredible comeback this year as they became the first team to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2021 before defeating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final to lift the trophy.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-ms-dhonis-chennai-super-kings-scripted-a-fairytale-comeback-in-ipl-2021-440193">How MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings scripted a fairytale comeback in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Australia win T20 World Cup 2021</strong></p>

<p>Not many had given Australia a chance at winning the T20 World Cup 2021 but the Aaron Finch-led side went on to claim their maiden title after beating New Zealand in the final. Australia finished second in their group to qualify for the semi-finals before beating Pakistan in a thrilling semi-final to enter the summit clash. They got the better of New Zealand by 8 wickets in the final to lift the T20 World Cup 2021 title.</p>

<p><strong>Lionel Messi wins record 7th Ballon d'Or</strong></p>

<p>Argentine legend Lionel Messi beat Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea's Jorginho to bag a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or this year. Messi had led Argentina to a Copa America triumph and had yet another magnificent season with Barcelona which saw him bagging the top honour for the seventh time in his career.</p>

<p><strong>Max Verstappen wins Formula One title</strong></p>

<p>Red Bull's Max Verstappen beat the great Lewis Hamilton to clinch his maiden Formula One World Championship title this year. Verstappen denied Hamilton a record eight title, overtaking the Mercedes driver in the final lap to win the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP and finish on top of the podium. It was one of the most thrilling finishes to a season in Formula One history.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/meet-five-golden-heroes-from-indias-historic-paralympics-campaign-in-2021-438186">Meet five golden heroes from India’s historic Paralympics campaign in 2021</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Kidambi&nbsp;Srikanth 1st&nbsp;Indian male to win silver at BWF World Championships</strong></p>

<p>Ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth created history earlier this month by becoming the first Indian man to win a silver medal at the BWF World Championships. Srikanth defeated Indian compatriot Lakshya Sen in the semi-final before going down against Singapore's Loh Kean Yew 21-15, 22-20 in straight sets in the final to miss out on the gold. Nonetheless, he became the first Indian man to win a silver at the showpiece event.</p>


2021 was eventful for sports as fans finally returned to the stadiums in many parts of the world while several major events were staged successfully after an unexpected halt last year.

2021 was eventful for sports as fans finally returned to the stadiums in many parts of the world while several major events were staged successfully after an unexpected halt last year. It was an year filled with some enthralling sporting action across the globe which saw some familiar, and some new names emerge as champions in their respective disciplines. While Lionel Messi added another glorious chapter to his footballing legacy with a record seventh Ballon D'Or, India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra etched his name in history with an elusive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Chelsea went on a fairytale run in the Champions League and ended up becoming the champions of Europe while New Zealand became the first-ever World Test Champions in cricket history. Indian cricket team missed out on an ICC trophy once again this year as the drought extended but the team scripted history Down Under as they went on to record their second successive Test series win in Australia. Despite missing regular skipper Virat Kohli and several other senior players, India clinched the four-match series 2-1. Here is a look back at some of the top winners from sporting events across the globe in 2021: India win 2nd successive Test series in Australia 2021 started on a brilliant note for the Indian cricket team as the Ajinkya Rahane-led side defeated Australia in their own backyard in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 in January. After suffering a humiliating 8-wicket defeat in the series-opener in Adelaide, India bounced back to win the next game before drawing the third Test. India then ended Australia's dominance at The Gabba to clinch the series 2-1. It was India's second successive Test series win on Australian soil. New Zealand win World Test Championship New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton to become the maiden Test champions of the world. The Kiwis were asked to chase a mere target of 139 runs in their second innings of the summit clash. They rode on superb knocks from Kane Williamson (52*) and Ross Taylor (47*) to win the World Test Championship final. Neeraj Chopra clinches gold at Tokyo Olympics Neeraj Chopra became the first athlete from India to win a gold medal at the Olympics in track and field. He brought an end to the country's 100-year-long wait for a gold medal in track and field with a stunning throw of 87.58m in the final of men's javelin throw to script history. Neeraj was India's only gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics this year. PV Sindhu wins 2nd Olympic medal Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals in Tokyo this year. After her silver at the Rio Olympics in 2016, Sindhu clinched bronze at the Tokyo Olympics this year to achieve the elusive feat. Sindhu defeated China's He Bing Jiao in the bronze medal match to finish with back-to-back medals at the Olympics. She is only the second Indian after wrestler Sushil Kumar to have won two individual Olympic medals. Also Read: Super Seven! The heroes of India's best-ever Olympic campaign in Tokyo Indian hockey team wins an Olympic medal after 41 years The Indian men's hockey team re-established their credentials as one of the top sides in the world with a superb show in the Tokyo Olympics this year. The Manpreet Singh-led side brought an end to a 41-year-long wait for an Olympic medal by clinching bronze. India defeated Germany 5-4 in the bronze medal match with the help of goals from Simranjeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (29th) and Rupinder Pal Singh. Chelsea win the Champions League title Not many had expected Chelsea to win the Champions League as the Blues were struggling in the Premier League when Thomas Tuchel had taken over from Frank Lampard in January this year. Tuchel worked wonders with the squad and inspired them to a memorable Champions League triumph. Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the final with the help of the goal from Kai Havertz to lift their second Champions League title. Chennai Super Kings bag fourth IPL title MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) completed a fairytale redemption to clinch their fourth IPL title this year. CSK had finished seventh in the previous season and had failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in history. However, Dhoni & Co. went on to script an incredible comeback this year as they became the first team to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2021 before defeating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final to lift the trophy. Also Read: How MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings scripted a fairytale comeback in IPL 2021 Australia win T20 World Cup 2021 Not many had given Australia a chance at winning the T20 World Cup 2021 but the Aaron Finch-led side went on to claim their maiden title after beating New Zealand in the final. Australia finished second in their group to qualify for the semi-finals before beating Pakistan in a thrilling semi-final to enter the summit clash. They got the better of New Zealand by 8 wickets in the final to lift the T20 World Cup 2021 title. Lionel Messi wins record 7th Ballon d'Or Argentine legend Lionel Messi beat Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea's Jorginho to bag a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or this year. Messi had led Argentina to a Copa America triumph and had yet another magnificent season with Barcelona which saw him bagging the top honour for the seventh time in his career. Max Verstappen wins Formula One title Red Bull's Max Verstappen beat the great Lewis Hamilton to clinch his maiden Formula One World Championship title this year. Verstappen denied Hamilton a record eight title, overtaking the Mercedes driver in the final lap to win the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP and finish on top of the podium. It was one of the most thrilling finishes to a season in Formula One history. Also Read: Meet five golden heroes from India’s historic Paralympics campaign in 2021 Kidambi Srikanth 1st Indian male to win silver at BWF World Championships Ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth created history earlier this month by becoming the first Indian man to win a silver medal at the BWF World Championships. Srikanth defeated Indian compatriot Lakshya Sen in the semi-final before going down against Singapore's Loh Kean Yew 21-15, 22-20 in straight sets in the final to miss out on the gold. Nonetheless, he became the first Indian man to win a silver at the showpiece event.

Lionel Messi's 7th Ballon d'Or to Neeraj Chopra's elusive gold - Who won what in 2021

<p>Robert Lewandowski might have missed out on the 2021 Ballon d'Or, finishing second behind the legendary Lionel Messi but he has had a fabulous 2021. The Bayern Munich striker has continued his goal-scoring exploits last season in the ongoing season and has been unstoppable for the Bundesliga leaders.</p>

<p>Lewandowski is on the top of the goal-scoring charts in the year 2021 in club football as far as top five leagues and major European competitions - Champions League, and Europa League are concerned. The Polish star scored his 69th goal across all competitions for club and country in 2021 to match Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 69 goals in a calendar year.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi still tops the elite list with a stunning 91 goals to his name in a calendar year in 2012. While Lewandowski is the top goal-scorer of 2021 across all competitions for club and country, he also leads the goal-scoring charts when taking into account the top five football leagues in the world and other major club competitions, including the Champions League and the UEFA league.</p>

<p><strong>Top 5 goal-scorers of 2021 across all club competitions (Top 5 leagues only)</strong></p>

<p><strong>1) Robert Lewandowski - 56 goals</strong></p>

<p>The Bayern Munich striker has been unstoppable this season as he continues to shatter records with his goal-scoring exploits. The Polish star, who finished second in the Ballon d'Or 2021 awards, has scored 56 goals in 45 appearances across major club competitions this year. He averages a brilliant 68 minutes per goal and has been instrumental in keeping Bayern on top of the Bundesliga table.</p>

<p><strong>2) Erling Haaland - 43 goals&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Erling Haaland is taking the Bundesliga by a storm and seems ready for a switch to a big club next season. Haaland has been exceptional for Borussia Dortmund with 43 goals in 42 matches for the Bundesliga giants. Haaland has become one of the most sought-after youngsters in the league and it remains to be seen where he will head to after his Dortmund contract ends next year.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messi-to-cristiano-ronaldo-a-look-at-last-five-ballon-dor-winners-433810">Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo: A look at last five Ballon d'Or winners</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>3) Kylian Mbappe - 41 goals&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The French striker had proved his goal-scoring pedigree in the 2018 FIFA World Cup where he helped France lift the title with a campaign to remember. A quality striker and one of the most talented youngsters in world football, Mbappe has achieved a lot in a short career so far. He continued to tear it in the Ligue 1, Champions League and other competitions this season for PSG with a whopping 41 goals in 52 matches. He is the third-highest goal-scorer of the year as far as the top five football leagues are concerned.</p>

<p><strong>4) Mohammed Salah - 37 goals&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Liverpool winger often doesn't get the credit for his consistency. He has been a force to reckon with ever since joining Liverpool and has been scoring goals one season after another. Salah continued his heroics in the year 2021 with 37 goals in 51 appearances for the Premier League giants. Despite being one of the best players in the Premier League over the last few years, Salah could only finish seventh in the Ballon d'Or rankings this year.</p>

<p><strong>5)&nbsp;Karim Benzema - 36 goals</strong></p>

<p>Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema continues to shine at the Bernabeu and has almost single-handedly shouldered the goal-scoring responsibilities ever since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the club in 2018. Benzema notched up 36 goals in 33 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions in 2021 and is currently fifth on the list pf the top goal-scorers of the year.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Robert Lewandowski might have missed out on the 2021 Ballon d'Or, finishing second behind the legendary Lionel Messi but he has had a fabulous 2021. The Bayern Munich striker has continued his goal-scoring exploits last season in the ongoing season and has been unstoppable for the Bundesliga leaders.

Robert Lewandowski might have missed out on the 2021 Ballon d'Or, finishing second behind the legendary Lionel Messi but he has had a fabulous 2021. The Bayern Munich striker has continued his goal-scoring exploits last season in the ongoing season and has been unstoppable for the Bundesliga leaders. Lewandowski is on the top of the goal-scoring charts in the year 2021 in club football as far as top five leagues and major European competitions - Champions League, and Europa League are concerned. The Polish star scored his 69th goal across all competitions for club and country in 2021 to match Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 69 goals in a calendar year. Lionel Messi still tops the elite list with a stunning 91 goals to his name in a calendar year in 2012. While Lewandowski is the top goal-scorer of 2021 across all competitions for club and country, he also leads the goal-scoring charts when taking into account the top five football leagues in the world and other major club competitions, including the Champions League and the UEFA league. Top 5 goal-scorers of 2021 across all club competitions (Top 5 leagues only) 1) Robert Lewandowski - 56 goals The Bayern Munich striker has been unstoppable this season as he continues to shatter records with his goal-scoring exploits. The Polish star, who finished second in the Ballon d'Or 2021 awards, has scored 56 goals in 45 appearances across major club competitions this year. He averages a brilliant 68 minutes per goal and has been instrumental in keeping Bayern on top of the Bundesliga table. 2) Erling Haaland - 43 goals Erling Haaland is taking the Bundesliga by a storm and seems ready for a switch to a big club next season. Haaland has been exceptional for Borussia Dortmund with 43 goals in 42 matches for the Bundesliga giants. Haaland has become one of the most sought-after youngsters in the league and it remains to be seen where he will head to after his Dortmund contract ends next year. Also Read: Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo: A look at last five Ballon d'Or winners 3) Kylian Mbappe - 41 goals The French striker had proved his goal-scoring pedigree in the 2018 FIFA World Cup where he helped France lift the title with a campaign to remember. A quality striker and one of the most talented youngsters in world football, Mbappe has achieved a lot in a short career so far. He continued to tear it in the Ligue 1, Champions League and other competitions this season for PSG with a whopping 41 goals in 52 matches. He is the third-highest goal-scorer of the year as far as the top five football leagues are concerned. 4) Mohammed Salah - 37 goals The Liverpool winger often doesn't get the credit for his consistency. He has been a force to reckon with ever since joining Liverpool and has been scoring goals one season after another. Salah continued his heroics in the year 2021 with 37 goals in 51 appearances for the Premier League giants. Despite being one of the best players in the Premier League over the last few years, Salah could only finish seventh in the Ballon d'Or rankings this year. 5) Karim Benzema - 36 goals Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema continues to shine at the Bernabeu and has almost single-handedly shouldered the goal-scoring responsibilities ever since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the club in 2018. Benzema notched up 36 goals in 33 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions in 2021 and is currently fifth on the list pf the top goal-scorers of the year.

Robert Lewandowski to Karim Benzema: Top five goal-scorers across club competitions in 2021

<p>Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the most-admired sportsperson in the world ahead of his arch-rival Lionel Messi. Both Ronaldo and Messi enjoy a staggering fan following across the globe and are unarguably two of the most popular and successful athletes of the current generation. The duo has dominated world football for over a decade now and has enjoyed a great rivalry between them.</p>

<p>Ronaldo pipped Messi to take the 4th spot on the list of most admired male personalities in the world. The Argentine legend finished at the seventh spot. Former United States President Barack Obama has been named the most admired male in the world followed by Bill Gates and Xi Jinping.</p>

<p>The list has been prepared after a survey conducted by YouGov, a British market research and data analytics firm. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is placed eighth on the list of most-admired men in the world at present.</p>

<p><strong>Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli only behind Messi, Ronaldo</strong></p>

<p>Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is the third-most admired sportsperson in the world behind only two of football's greatest icons - Messi and Ronaldo. Tendulkar is regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time and is often credited to have made a national fall in love with the game with his heroics on the field.</p>

<p>Tendulkar continues to hold the record for most runs in international cricket which is unlikely to be broken anytime soon and is also the only batter in the world with hundred international centuries to his name. India's current Test captain Virat Kohli is the 4th most-admired sportsperson in the world.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-selectors-put-together-have-not-played-half-the-number-of-matches-virat-kohli-has-ex-india-all-rounder-437879">All selectors put together have not played half the number of matches Virat Kohli has: Ex-India all-rounder</a></p>

<p>Kohli is counted among the modern-day greats and is one of the most popular cricketers in the world. He has been a consistent performer for the Indian team across formats and has already achieved numerous milestones and records in what has been an illustrious career so far. Kohli is also the most followed cricketer on social media.</p>

<p><strong>Here is a look at the top 20 most admired male personalities in the world:</strong></p>

<p>1. Barack Obama</p>

<p>2. Bill Gates</p>

<p>3. Xi Jinping</p>

<p>4. Cristiano Ronaldo</p>

<p>5. Jackie Chan</p>

<p>6. Elon Musk</p>

<p>7. Lionel Messi</p>

<p>8. Narendra Modi</p>

<p>9. Vladimir Putin</p>

<p>10. Jack Ma</p>

<p>11. Warren Buffet</p>

<p>12. Sachin Tendulkar</p>

<p>13. Donald Trump</p>

<p>14. Shahrukh Khan</p>

<p>15. Amitabh Bachchan</p>

<p>16. Pope Francis</p>

<p>17. Imran Khan</p>

<p>18. Virat Kohli</p>

<p>19. Andy Lau</p>

<p>20. Joe Biden</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the most-admired sportsperson in the world ahead of his arch-rival Lionel Messi. Both Ronaldo and Messi enjoy a staggering fan following across the globe and are unarguably two of the most popular and successful athletes of the current generation.

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the most-admired sportsperson in the world ahead of his arch-rival Lionel Messi. Both Ronaldo and Messi enjoy a staggering fan following across the globe and are unarguably two of the most popular and successful athletes of the current generation. The duo has dominated world football for over a decade now and has enjoyed a great rivalry between them. Ronaldo pipped Messi to take the 4th spot on the list of most admired male personalities in the world. The Argentine legend finished at the seventh spot. Former United States President Barack Obama has been named the most admired male in the world followed by Bill Gates and Xi Jinping. The list has been prepared after a survey conducted by YouGov, a British market research and data analytics firm. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is placed eighth on the list of most-admired men in the world at present. Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli only behind Messi, Ronaldo Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is the third-most admired sportsperson in the world behind only two of football's greatest icons - Messi and Ronaldo. Tendulkar is regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time and is often credited to have made a national fall in love with the game with his heroics on the field. Tendulkar continues to hold the record for most runs in international cricket which is unlikely to be broken anytime soon and is also the only batter in the world with hundred international centuries to his name. India's current Test captain Virat Kohli is the 4th most-admired sportsperson in the world. Also Read: All selectors put together have not played half the number of matches Virat Kohli has: Ex-India all-rounder Kohli is counted among the modern-day greats and is one of the most popular cricketers in the world. He has been a consistent performer for the Indian team across formats and has already achieved numerous milestones and records in what has been an illustrious career so far. Kohli is also the most followed cricketer on social media. Here is a look at the top 20 most admired male personalities in the world: 1. Barack Obama 2. Bill Gates 3. Xi Jinping 4. Cristiano Ronaldo 5. Jackie Chan 6. Elon Musk 7. Lionel Messi 8. Narendra Modi 9. Vladimir Putin 10. Jack Ma 11. Warren Buffet 12. Sachin Tendulkar 13. Donald Trump 14. Shahrukh Khan 15. Amitabh Bachchan 16. Pope Francis 17. Imran Khan 18. Virat Kohli 19. Andy Lau 20. Joe Biden

Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi, Sachin Tendulkar to be named most-admired sportsperson in the world

<p>Paris Saint-Germain striker Lionel Messi on Wednesday posted an emotional message for his Argentine teammate Sergio Aguero, who announced his retirement from professional football.</p>

<p>The Argentine forward Sergio Aguero announced his retirement from football on Wednesday due to a heart condition. Aguero had been out of action after suffering chest pains during Barca's 1-1 draw against Alaves in La Liga on October 30. The 33-year-old was taken to a hospital for tests and subsequently diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia, after which he was ruled out for three months.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-striker-sergio-aguero-announces-retirement-from-football-due-to-heart-problems-watch-437144">Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero announces retirement from football due to heart problems - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>"Practically a whole career together, Kun ... We lived very beautiful moments and others that were not so, all of them made us unite more and more and be more friends. And we are going to continue living them together outside the field. With the great joy of lifting the America's Cup so little ago, with all the achievements you achieved in England," Messi wrote on Instagram.</p>

<p>"And the truth is that now it hurts a lot to see how you have to stop doing what you like the most because of what happened to you. Surely you will continue to be happy because you are a person who transmits happiness and those of us who love you will be with you. Now a new stage of your life begins and I am convinced that you are going to live it with a smile and with all the illusion that you put into everything," he added.</p>

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<p>Aguero did not make his return to the field and has now chosen to hang up his boots after an illustrious 18-year career.An emotional Aguero at Camp Nou said: "This conference is to communicate that I have decided to stop playing football."</p>

<p>"It is a very difficult moment. The decision I have made I have taken for my health, that is the main reason, because of the problem that I had a month-and-a-half ago. I was in good hands of the medical staff who have done their best and have told me the best thing would be to stop playing," he added.</p>

<p>Aguero has found back of the net 379 times in 663 games across spells at Independiente, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and Barca. He has also recorded 118 assists.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-what-is-arrhythmia-a-heart-condition-that-might-force-sergio-aguero-to-retire-at-33-428823">Explained: What is arrhythmia? A heart condition that might force Sergio Aguero to retire at 33</a></strong></p>

<p>The Argentine has won 17 trophies in total, 15 of which were claimed during his 10-year stay at Manchester City, where he emerged as one of the legendary forward of his generation.</p>

<p>The Manchester club has won five Premier League titles with Aguero as the marksman. In his first season with Manchester City, he entrenched in the club's history when he famously scored the dramatic late-winning goal against QPR in the last game of the 2011-12 season to secure his team`s first Premier League title.&nbsp;</p>


Paris Saint-Germain striker Lionel Messi on Wednesday posted an emotional message for his Argentine teammate Sergio Aguero, who announced his retirement from professional football.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Lionel Messi on Wednesday posted an emotional message for his Argentine teammate Sergio Aguero, who announced his retirement from professional football. The Argentine forward Sergio Aguero announced his retirement from football on Wednesday due to a heart condition. Aguero had been out of action after suffering chest pains during Barca's 1-1 draw against Alaves in La Liga on October 30. The 33-year-old was taken to a hospital for tests and subsequently diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia, after which he was ruled out for three months. ALSO READ: Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero announces retirement from football due to heart problems - WATCH "Practically a whole career together, Kun ... We lived very beautiful moments and others that were not so, all of them made us unite more and more and be more friends. And we are going to continue living them together outside the field. With the great joy of lifting the America's Cup so little ago, with all the achievements you achieved in England," Messi wrote on Instagram. "And the truth is that now it hurts a lot to see how you have to stop doing what you like the most because of what happened to you. Surely you will continue to be happy because you are a person who transmits happiness and those of us who love you will be with you. Now a new stage of your life begins and I am convinced that you are going to live it with a smile and with all the illusion that you put into everything," he added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) × Aguero did not make his return to the field and has now chosen to hang up his boots after an illustrious 18-year career.An emotional Aguero at Camp Nou said: "This conference is to communicate that I have decided to stop playing football." "It is a very difficult moment. The decision I have made I have taken for my health, that is the main reason, because of the problem that I had a month-and-a-half ago. I was in good hands of the medical staff who have done their best and have told me the best thing would be to stop playing," he added. Aguero has found back of the net 379 times in 663 games across spells at Independiente, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and Barca. He has also recorded 118 assists. ALSO READ: Explained: What is arrhythmia? A heart condition that might force Sergio Aguero to retire at 33 The Argentine has won 17 trophies in total, 15 of which were claimed during his 10-year stay at Manchester City, where he emerged as one of the legendary forward of his generation. The Manchester club has won five Premier League titles with Aguero as the marksman. In his first season with Manchester City, he entrenched in the club's history when he famously scored the dramatic late-winning goal against QPR in the last game of the 2011-12 season to secure his team`s first Premier League title.

Hurts to see that you've retired from professional football: Lionel Messi reacts to Aguero's retirement

<p>Lionel Messi would have been up against Cristiano Ronaldo as Manchester United were drawn against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League 2021-22 Round of 16 draw which was conducted on Monday (December 13). However, in a latest twist, UEFA has declared the draw void after a technical error and has annunced that it will be redone at 7:30 PM IST on Monday (December 13).</p>

<p>Manchester United topped Group E with three wins and two draws from six games while PSG had finished second behind Manchester City in the Group A of the Champions League this season. The Champions League Round of 16 draw was conducted at the UEFA headquarter in Switzerland's Nyon on Monday (December 13). Manchester United's draw against PSG was the biggest talking point as the clash would have witnessed Messi and Ronaldo go up against each other in what could have been a blockbuster affair.</p>

<p>Messi and Ronaldo last faced each other when the Portuguese icon was still at his former club Juventus while Messi was playing at his boyhood club Barcelona in 2020. Ronaldo had scored twice to hand Juventus a 3-0 win in the first leg of the group stage clash at the Camp Nou before missing the returning fixture where Barcelona won 2-0.</p>

<p>They both changed clubs ahead of the ongoing season this year and have been plying their trade in different leagues once again. While Messi left Barcelona to join PSG, Ronaldo made a fairytale come back to join his former club Manchester United. However, the fans now might have to wait to see the arch-rivals face each other once again as the draw will be conducted once again on Monday evening.</p>

<p>"Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16," UEFA said in a tweet.</p>

<p>"As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone at 1500 CET," it added.</p>

<p>Defending champions Chelsea had managed to get a relatively easier draw in the Round of 16 as they were paired against French side Lille, who have struggled badly so far this season and are currently placed eleventh in the Ligue 1 points table. Manchester City were drawn against La Liga side Villarreal, who won the Europa League last season.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-slams-ballon-dor-chief-pascal-ferre-brands-him-a-liar-over-lionel-messi-claim-432972">Cristiano Ronaldo slams Ballon d'Or chief Pascal Ferre, brands him a 'liar' over Lionel Messi claim</a></p>

<p>Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich were drawn against Atletico Madrid while Liverpool would have been up against Red Bull Salzburg, as per the last draw which is now void. All sixteen teams who have qualified for the next round from the group stages will now find out their respective opponents on Monday.</p>


Lionel Messi would have been up against Cristiano Ronaldo as Manchester United were drawn against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League 2021-22 Round of 16 draw which was conducted on Monday (December 13).

Lionel Messi would have been up against Cristiano Ronaldo as Manchester United were drawn against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League 2021-22 Round of 16 draw which was conducted on Monday (December 13). However, in a latest twist, UEFA has declared the draw void after a technical error and has annunced that it will be redone at 7:30 PM IST on Monday (December 13). Manchester United topped Group E with three wins and two draws from six games while PSG had finished second behind Manchester City in the Group A of the Champions League this season. The Champions League Round of 16 draw was conducted at the UEFA headquarter in Switzerland's Nyon on Monday (December 13). Manchester United's draw against PSG was the biggest talking point as the clash would have witnessed Messi and Ronaldo go up against each other in what could have been a blockbuster affair. Messi and Ronaldo last faced each other when the Portuguese icon was still at his former club Juventus while Messi was playing at his boyhood club Barcelona in 2020. Ronaldo had scored twice to hand Juventus a 3-0 win in the first leg of the group stage clash at the Camp Nou before missing the returning fixture where Barcelona won 2-0. They both changed clubs ahead of the ongoing season this year and have been plying their trade in different leagues once again. While Messi left Barcelona to join PSG, Ronaldo made a fairytale come back to join his former club Manchester United. However, the fans now might have to wait to see the arch-rivals face each other once again as the draw will be conducted once again on Monday evening. "Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16," UEFA said in a tweet. "As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone at 1500 CET," it added. Defending champions Chelsea had managed to get a relatively easier draw in the Round of 16 as they were paired against French side Lille, who have struggled badly so far this season and are currently placed eleventh in the Ligue 1 points table. Manchester City were drawn against La Liga side Villarreal, who won the Europa League last season. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo slams Ballon d'Or chief Pascal Ferre, brands him a 'liar' over Lionel Messi claim Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich were drawn against Atletico Madrid while Liverpool would have been up against Red Bull Salzburg, as per the last draw which is now void. All sixteen teams who have qualified for the next round from the group stages will now find out their respective opponents on Monday.

No Messi vs Ronaldo as UEFA declares Champions League Round of 16 draw void after technical error

Lionel Messi surpasses Pele: A look at top 5 goal-scorers in football

<p>Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Kylian Mbappe has become the youngest player to score 30 Champions League goals.</p>

<p>The striker achieved the feat on Tuesday after scoring a brace against Club Brugge. The previous record was held by Mbappe's teammate Lionel Messi.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/demarai-gray-bags-stoppage-time-winner-as-everton-beat-arsenal-2-1-in-premier-league-434817">Demarai Gray bags stoppage-time winner as Everton beat Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League</a></strong></p>

<p>Mbappe has now registered 30 Champions League goals at the age of 22 years and 352 days, while Messi was 23 years, 131 days old when he reached the particular milestone, Goal.com reported.</p>

<p>Paris Saint-Germain defeated Club Brugge 4-1. Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi scored two goals each for PSG.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-midfielder-mateo-kovacic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-zenit-clash-in-champions-league-434924">Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Zenit clash in Champions League</a></strong></p>

<p>In other matches, Borussia Dortmund thrashed Besiktas 5-0 while Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 2-0.</p>

<p>Ajax defeated Sporting FC 4-2 while Atletico Madrid outclassed Porto 3-1.&nbsp;</p>


Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Kylian Mbappe has become the youngest player to score 30 Champions League goals. The striker achieved the feat on Tuesday after scoring a brace against Club Brugge.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Kylian Mbappe has become the youngest player to score 30 Champions League goals. The striker achieved the feat on Tuesday after scoring a brace against Club Brugge. The previous record was held by Mbappe's teammate Lionel Messi. ALSO READ: Demarai Gray bags stoppage-time winner as Everton beat Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League Mbappe has now registered 30 Champions League goals at the age of 22 years and 352 days, while Messi was 23 years, 131 days old when he reached the particular milestone, Goal.com reported. Paris Saint-Germain defeated Club Brugge 4-1. Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi scored two goals each for PSG. ALSO READ: Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Zenit clash in Champions League In other matches, Borussia Dortmund thrashed Besiktas 5-0 while Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 2-0. Ajax defeated Sporting FC 4-2 while Atletico Madrid outclassed Porto 3-1.

UEFA Champions League: Kylian Mbappe achieves special feat in PSG's 4-1 victory vs Club Brugge

<p>Argentina captain Lionel Messi achieved another historic feat in his illustrious career while representing Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League Group stage encounter versus Club Brugge on Tuesday (December 7). Messi and Kylian Mbappa's twin strikes each took PSG to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Club Brugge as Messi broke Brazilian great Pele's record.</p>

<p>Pele, who has been one of the most prolific goal-scorer in South America, is sitting on 757 career goals for both club and country. However, the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi moved past his tally after his splendid performance versus Club Brugge. The 34-year-old took his career goal tally to 758 and moved past Pele's record.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-midfielder-mateo-kovacic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-zenit-clash-in-champions-league-434924"><strong>Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Zenit clash in Champions League</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed,&nbsp;Messi's overall tally (758) takes him&nbsp;to the second spot in the list of most career goals in professional football. He&nbsp;has 678 club goals to his name (majorly for Barcelona) and has scored a total of 80 goals for his country.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">According to the RSSSF, Lionel Messi has overtaken Pele in football’s all-time scorer’s list 🚨 <a href="https://t.co/dJaXjPT3Ml">pic.twitter.com/dJaXjPT3Ml</a></p>
— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/IntChampionsCup/status/1468309326456623105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/demarai-gray-bags-stoppage-time-winner-as-everton-beat-arsenal-2-1-in-premier-league-434817"><strong>Demarai Gray bags stoppage-time winner as Everton beat Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League</strong></a></p>

<p>Messi now has his eyes set on surpassing arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo's tally (801), who occupies the top spot in the list. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has also been in top form for the Manchester United and achieved his 800th as well as 801st goal during the Red Devils' recent encounter versus Arsenal in the Premier League, where Man Utd beat Arsenal 3-2.</p>

<p>Mbappa, on the other hand, also became the youngster to 30 Champion League goals following PSG's encounter versus Club Brugge.</p>


Argentina captain Lionel Messi achieved another historic feat in his illustrious career while representing Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League Group stage encounter versus Club Brugge on Tuesday (December 7).

Argentina captain Lionel Messi achieved another historic feat in his illustrious career while representing Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League Group stage encounter versus Club Brugge on Tuesday (December 7). Messi and Kylian Mbappa's twin strikes each took PSG to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Club Brugge as Messi broke Brazilian great Pele's record. Pele, who has been one of the most prolific goal-scorer in South America, is sitting on 757 career goals for both club and country. However, the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi moved past his tally after his splendid performance versus Club Brugge. The 34-year-old took his career goal tally to 758 and moved past Pele's record. ALSO READ | Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Zenit clash in Champions League For the unversed, Messi's overall tally (758) takes him to the second spot in the list of most career goals in professional football. He has 678 club goals to his name (majorly for Barcelona) and has scored a total of 80 goals for his country. According to the RSSSF, Lionel Messi has overtaken Pele in football’s all-time scorer’s list 🚨 pic.twitter.com/dJaXjPT3Ml — International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) December 7, 2021 × ALSO READ | Demarai Gray bags stoppage-time winner as Everton beat Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League Messi now has his eyes set on surpassing arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo's tally (801), who occupies the top spot in the list. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has also been in top form for the Manchester United and achieved his 800th as well as 801st goal during the Red Devils' recent encounter versus Arsenal in the Premier League, where Man Utd beat Arsenal 3-2. Mbappa, on the other hand, also became the youngster to 30 Champion League goals following PSG's encounter versus Club Brugge.

Lionel Messi surpasses Pele with twin strikes vs Club Brugge, eyes arch-rival CR7's goal tally

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<p>When the year 2021 had started, who would have thought that legendary footballer Lionel Messi will bid farewell to La Liga giants Barcelona and find a new home in France? Well, it actually happened and 2021 ended as a turbulent year in Messi's illustrious career so far. From international success to a dramatic farewell, to a new journey and finally the Ballon d'Or prize, the player has seen it all in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The year had started with media rumours that Messi will leave Barcelona, however, later reports had suggested that he is all set to sign a new contract with his boyhood club.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a turn of events, the Spanish club announced in the first week of August that Messi will leave Barcelona due to "financial and structural obstacles" to the renewal of the deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bidding an emotional farewell to his Barca teammates at Camp Nou, teary-eyed Messi left Spain and some days later agreed to join French football club Paris Saint Germain (PSG), where he reunited with his former Barca teammate, Neymar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-much-lionel-messi-earns-per-week-mind-boggling-salary-of-psg-star-and-his-net-worth-431633">How much Lionel Messi earns per week? Mind-boggling salary of PSG star and his net worth</a></strong></p>

<p>Here's how Argentina's all-time great Lionel Messi became the top newsmaker in the football world:</p>

<p><strong>International success</strong></p>

<p>Messi often faced criticism for not winning a trophy with his international team, however, the jinx was broken&nbsp;in 2021 as he finally won a major international title, captaining Argentina to victory in the Copa America with a 1-0 win against Brazil in the final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Throughout the tournament, he scored four goals as Argentina won the South American championship for the first time since 1993.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After winning the Ballon d'Or, he commented on the same as he said, "I think I won this trophy thanks to what we did at the Copa America so I dedicate this to my teammates."&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Lionel Messi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5af16c14-76d0-4fc0-bf84-6594dd216ba8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9TR3B8.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>(Image: Lionel Messi is thrown into the air by teammates after winning the Conmebol 2021 Copa America football tournament final match against Brazil,&nbsp;on July 10, 2021. Credit: AFP)</em></p>

<p><strong>Bye-bye, Barcelona</strong></p>

<p>Messi broke down while saying goodbye to his teammates and the club where he spent over 20 years, achieving major records in Barcelona history. Messi came to Barcelona as a boy from Rosario and left as one of the most celebrated players in club history, He scored 672 goals in 778 appearances for the Spanish club.</p>

<p>He has the most appearances for the team and scored the most goals, He also has the most wins.&nbsp;He won the most titles in the club's 121-year history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his farewell address, he said, "Since I was 13 I am here. I am really grateful for everything. My teammates, the former players, this club, So many beautiful things have happened in this club and have made me the person I am today."</p>

<p><img alt="Lionel Messi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d53e856-b01a-463c-afdd-484f321fdd79" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9KU2JY.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>(Image: Lionel Messi cries during a press conference at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 8, 2021. Credit: AFP)</em></p>

<p><strong>Bonjour Paris</strong></p>

<p>In August itself, Messi officially joined Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain as he signed a two-year contract with an option of an additional year. Messi's arrival at PSG appeared to be an opportunity for the owners and fans as they chase the Champions League, the trophy they want more than anything else.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain. Everything about the club matches my football ambitions," he had said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Lionel Messi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a7c9d74-79ca-4338-99a0-92099fe26883" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9T28B2.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>(Image:&nbsp;Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his second goal during the French L1 football match between Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) and FC Nantes. Credit: AFP)</em></p>

<p><strong>Ballon d'Or win</strong></p>

<p>Messi ended the year 2021 by winning the men's Ballon d'Or award for a record-extending seventh time. Previously, he won the last edition of the Ballon d'Or in 2019 and so far in his career, he has won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His Ballon d'Or win has been criticised as some might question whether Messi really deserved it ahead of players like Robert Lewandowski, Jorginho or Cristiano Ronaldo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Messi sheer brilliance, hard work and extraordinary exhibits on the field perfectly answer the criticism, as it has been for a long time. In a recent interview, Messi told that he doesn't care much about individual glory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For me, the mere fact that I can be considered or cited as one of the best players in the world is more than enough," Messi told French newspaper L'Equipe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Lionel Messi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a054c93b-fe6c-49e2-82ab-9dea1be9fcd6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9TM6RQ_0.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>(Image: This combination of file photographs created on November 29, 2021, shows Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacting as he receives the Ballon d'Or football award. Credit: AFP.)</em></p>

<p><strong>Job not done</strong></p>

<p>The year is ending, that too on a good note for Messi, but as we look forward, the job is not done yet as he, himself mentioned that his "dream is to win another Champions League". He had said it at his unveiling in August, with the last of his four European Cups coming in 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And then there's the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. The Argentinian will be looking forward to completing the unfinished business, winning the coveted trophy for his country. It might be his last chance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>2021 ended with bittersweet memories for Lionel Messi but 2022 is expected to be even more adventurous.&nbsp;</p>


When the year 2021 had started, who would have thought that legendary footballer Lionel Messi will bid farewell to La Liga giants Barcelona and find a new home in France?

When the year 2021 had started, who would have thought that legendary footballer Lionel Messi will bid farewell to La Liga giants Barcelona and find a new home in France? Well, it actually happened and 2021 ended as a turbulent year in Messi's illustrious career so far. From international success to a dramatic farewell, to a new journey and finally the Ballon d'Or prize, the player has seen it all in 2021. The year had started with media rumours that Messi will leave Barcelona, however, later reports had suggested that he is all set to sign a new contract with his boyhood club. In a turn of events, the Spanish club announced in the first week of August that Messi will leave Barcelona due to "financial and structural obstacles" to the renewal of the deal. Bidding an emotional farewell to his Barca teammates at Camp Nou, teary-eyed Messi left Spain and some days later agreed to join French football club Paris Saint Germain (PSG), where he reunited with his former Barca teammate, Neymar. IN PICS | How much Lionel Messi earns per week? Mind-boggling salary of PSG star and his net worth Here's how Argentina's all-time great Lionel Messi became the top newsmaker in the football world: International success Messi often faced criticism for not winning a trophy with his international team, however, the jinx was broken in 2021 as he finally won a major international title, captaining Argentina to victory in the Copa America with a 1-0 win against Brazil in the final. Throughout the tournament, he scored four goals as Argentina won the South American championship for the first time since 1993. After winning the Ballon d'Or, he commented on the same as he said, "I think I won this trophy thanks to what we did at the Copa America so I dedicate this to my teammates." (Image: Lionel Messi is thrown into the air by teammates after winning the Conmebol 2021 Copa America football tournament final match against Brazil, on July 10, 2021. Credit: AFP) Bye-bye, Barcelona Messi broke down while saying goodbye to his teammates and the club where he spent over 20 years, achieving major records in Barcelona history. Messi came to Barcelona as a boy from Rosario and left as one of the most celebrated players in club history, He scored 672 goals in 778 appearances for the Spanish club. He has the most appearances for the team and scored the most goals, He also has the most wins. He won the most titles in the club's 121-year history. During his farewell address, he said, "Since I was 13 I am here. I am really grateful for everything. My teammates, the former players, this club, So many beautiful things have happened in this club and have made me the person I am today." (Image: Lionel Messi cries during a press conference at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 8, 2021. Credit: AFP) Bonjour Paris In August itself, Messi officially joined Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain as he signed a two-year contract with an option of an additional year. Messi's arrival at PSG appeared to be an opportunity for the owners and fans as they chase the Champions League, the trophy they want more than anything else. "I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain. Everything about the club matches my football ambitions," he had said. (Image: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his second goal during the French L1 football match between Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) and FC Nantes. Credit: AFP) Ballon d'Or win Messi ended the year 2021 by winning the men's Ballon d'Or award for a record-extending seventh time. Previously, he won the last edition of the Ballon d'Or in 2019 and so far in his career, he has won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015. His Ballon d'Or win has been criticised as some might question whether Messi really deserved it ahead of players like Robert Lewandowski, Jorginho or Cristiano Ronaldo. But Messi sheer brilliance, hard work and extraordinary exhibits on the field perfectly answer the criticism, as it has been for a long time. In a recent interview, Messi told that he doesn't care much about individual glory. "For me, the mere fact that I can be considered or cited as one of the best players in the world is more than enough," Messi told French newspaper L'Equipe. (Image: This combination of file photographs created on November 29, 2021, shows Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacting as he receives the Ballon d'Or football award. Credit: AFP.) Job not done The year is ending, that too on a good note for Messi, but as we look forward, the job is not done yet as he, himself mentioned that his "dream is to win another Champions League". He had said it at his unveiling in August, with the last of his four European Cups coming in 2015. And then there's the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. The Argentinian will be looking forward to completing the unfinished business, winning the coveted trophy for his country. It might be his last chance. 2021 ended with bittersweet memories for Lionel Messi but 2022 is expected to be even more adventurous.

Lionel Messi in 2021: Dramatic Barca exit, maiden international trophy and a record-extending 7th Ballon d'Or

<p>Lionel Messi, the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or, said he is glad to be considered one of the greatest players in the world, but he added that he does not place too much emphasis on individual glory.</p>

<p>On Monday, Messi won the Ballon d'Or trophy for the seventh time, defeating Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, as he was voted to be the world's finest player.</p>

<p>After dominating LaLiga's goal-scoring charts last season and winning the Copa America for the first time with his country in July, the Paris St. Germain player added the illustrious trophy to his 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2019 victories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His first Ballon d'Or came at 22 and the most recent at 34. Messi posed with his wife, Antonella, and their three children with all seven Ballon d'Or prizes in a photoshoot at their Paris home.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messi-to-cristiano-ronaldo-a-look-at-last-five-ballon-dor-winners-433810#2016---cristiano-ronaldo-433802">Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo: A look at last five Ballon d'Or winners</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Lionel Messi! <a href="https://t.co/PckBVRhHjC">pic.twitter.com/PckBVRhHjC</a></p>
— Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreMessi/status/1466959596283596800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"For me, the mere fact that I can be considered or cited as one of the best players in the world is more than enough," Messi said in an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe.</p>

<p>"I don't know how to say it so it won't be misinterpreted... It's not that I'm not interested, but I don't attach much importance to it. It doesn't matter to me if I'm the best or not. And I've never tried to be the best either."</p>

<p>Messi surprised the sports world in the close&nbsp;season when he left his boyhood club Barcelona for PSG on a two-year contract. With 672 goals, he is still Barcelona's all-time leading scorer.</p>

<p>The 34-year-old is idolised across the world, but he says he does not appreciate offering advise to younger players as a role model.</p>

<p>"I fought for my dreams. At first, it was to be a professional player, then I tried to excel and reach new goals every year," Messi said.</p>

<p>"In the middle of all this, there is also a part of luck. It also depends on God, I believe he chose for all this to happen to me."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messis-father-jorge-takes-a-sly-dig-at-critics-who-are-saying-psg-star-didnt-deserve-ballon-dor-433380">Lionel Messi's father Jorge takes a sly dig at critics, who are saying PSG star didn't deserve Ballon d'Or</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Xavi Hernandez's take on Messi's Ballon d'Or win</strong></p>

<p>Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez believes Lionel Messi deserved to win the Ballon d'Or, calling the Argentine's record-extending seventh title as 'football justice'.</p>

<p>"I think it's football justice. He is the best footballer in the world and the best of all time. And he deserves this seventh award. No doubt about it," Xavi said.</p>

<p>"We may think that maybe Lewandowski also deserved it, or other players, but this is the same debate every year... The moment they open the envelope and they say Messi won it, then it's fair."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mood! Winning in all departments of life. 🥺 <a href="https://t.co/AKNzjml7E3">pic.twitter.com/AKNzjml7E3</a></p>
— Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreMessi/status/1467025433174573060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">❤️ <a href="https://t.co/7exbdWFgA9">pic.twitter.com/7exbdWFgA9</a></p>
— Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreMessi/status/1466962666480549892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi, the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or, said he is glad to be considered one of the greatest players in the world, but he added that he does not place too much emphasis on individual glory.

Lionel Messi, the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or, said he is glad to be considered one of the greatest players in the world, but he added that he does not place too much emphasis on individual glory. On Monday, Messi won the Ballon d'Or trophy for the seventh time, defeating Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, as he was voted to be the world's finest player. After dominating LaLiga's goal-scoring charts last season and winning the Copa America for the first time with his country in July, the Paris St. Germain player added the illustrious trophy to his 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2019 victories. His first Ballon d'Or came at 22 and the most recent at 34. Messi posed with his wife, Antonella, and their three children with all seven Ballon d'Or prizes in a photoshoot at their Paris home. IN PICS: Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo: A look at last five Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi! pic.twitter.com/PckBVRhHjC — Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) December 4, 2021 × "For me, the mere fact that I can be considered or cited as one of the best players in the world is more than enough," Messi said in an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe. "I don't know how to say it so it won't be misinterpreted... It's not that I'm not interested, but I don't attach much importance to it. It doesn't matter to me if I'm the best or not. And I've never tried to be the best either." Messi surprised the sports world in the close season when he left his boyhood club Barcelona for PSG on a two-year contract. With 672 goals, he is still Barcelona's all-time leading scorer. The 34-year-old is idolised across the world, but he says he does not appreciate offering advise to younger players as a role model. "I fought for my dreams. At first, it was to be a professional player, then I tried to excel and reach new goals every year," Messi said. "In the middle of all this, there is also a part of luck. It also depends on God, I believe he chose for all this to happen to me." ALSO READ: Lionel Messi's father Jorge takes a sly dig at critics, who are saying PSG star didn't deserve Ballon d'Or Xavi Hernandez's take on Messi's Ballon d'Or win Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez believes Lionel Messi deserved to win the Ballon d'Or, calling the Argentine's record-extending seventh title as 'football justice'. "I think it's football justice. He is the best footballer in the world and the best of all time. And he deserves this seventh award. No doubt about it," Xavi said. "We may think that maybe Lewandowski also deserved it, or other players, but this is the same debate every year... The moment they open the envelope and they say Messi won it, then it's fair." Mood! Winning in all departments of life. 🥺 pic.twitter.com/AKNzjml7E3 — Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) December 4, 2021 × ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7exbdWFgA9 — Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) December 4, 2021 ×

'I have never tried to be the best,' says Lionel Messi after seventh Ballon d'Or win

From the hottest month to biggest airlift: Here are the biggest records of 2021

Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo: A look at last five Ballon d'Or winners

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<p>Mohamed Salah, who scored twice during Liverpool vs Everton match, burst into laughter on being asked about his seventh-placed finish at the Ballon d'Or. Liverpool registered a 4-1 victory in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday (December 1). With the win, Liverpool are two points behind Premier League leaders, Chelsea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the match, Salah was asked by a reporter about finishing seventh in the Ballon d'Or, in the reply, Salah laughed and said: "I have no comment". The reporter then told Salah that he will finish better next year, Salah said, "Ah hopefully, we'll never know, thank you."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messis-father-jorge-takes-a-sly-dig-at-critics-who-are-saying-psg-star-didnt-deserve-ballon-dor-433380">Lionel Messi's father Jorge takes a sly dig at critics, who are saying PSG star didn't deserve Ballon d'Or</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch Salah's reaction here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mo Salah’s reaction to being asked finishing 7th in the Ballon D’or 😂❤️ <a href="https://t.co/eenCNXwEf7">pic.twitter.com/eenCNXwEf7</a></p>
— Samue (@SamueILFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SamueILFC/status/1466176993108631558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Paris Saint-Germain Lionel Messi won the men's Ballon d'Or award for a record-extending seventh time at a ceremony in Paris. The 34-year-old won the last edition of the Ballon d'Or in 2019 before last year's awards were cancelled due to the pandemic. He also won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the last season, Messi scored 38 goals in 48 games for Barcelona and won the Copa del Rey. He also led Argentina to Copa America glory in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Messi's Ballon d'Or win has been criticised by some. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Toni Kroos and Iker Casillas were surprised by Messi's triumph in Paris.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/did-cristiano-ronaldo-comment-facts-on-post-that-described-lionel-messis-ballon-dor-win-as-theft-shame-433332">Did Cristiano Ronaldo comment 'facts' on post that described Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or win as 'theft, shame'?</a></strong></p>

<p>Even, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly commented "facts" on a post that detailed why he deserved the award over his rival Messi. The Instagram post was uploaded on a fan page for CR7, which is followed by Ronaldo himself. In the post, Messi's award was described as: "Theft. Dirt. Shame. Simply regrettable."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Who saw, saw. Anyone who is smart enough knows who the real deserving ones are. Receiving awards without earning it is false happiness, without pride," the caption read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fan page also stated: "43 goals in the year, 6 goals in 5 games in this Champions League, all decisive and a guy who, regardless of age, continues to work miracles and is the guy who most impresses the world most often. They still put the guy in 6th… Do you really think that 5 guys did more than him in the year? Never."</p>


Mohamed Salah, who scored twice during Liverpool vs Everton match, burst into laughter on being asked about his seventh-placed finish at the Ballon d'Or. Liverpool registered a 4-1 victory in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday (December 1).

Mohamed Salah, who scored twice during Liverpool vs Everton match, burst into laughter on being asked about his seventh-placed finish at the Ballon d'Or. Liverpool registered a 4-1 victory in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday (December 1). With the win, Liverpool are two points behind Premier League leaders, Chelsea. After the match, Salah was asked by a reporter about finishing seventh in the Ballon d'Or, in the reply, Salah laughed and said: "I have no comment". The reporter then told Salah that he will finish better next year, Salah said, "Ah hopefully, we'll never know, thank you." ALSO READ | Lionel Messi's father Jorge takes a sly dig at critics, who are saying PSG star didn't deserve Ballon d'Or Watch Salah's reaction here: Mo Salah’s reaction to being asked finishing 7th in the Ballon D’or 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/eenCNXwEf7 — Samue (@SamueILFC) December 1, 2021 × Paris Saint-Germain Lionel Messi won the men's Ballon d'Or award for a record-extending seventh time at a ceremony in Paris. The 34-year-old won the last edition of the Ballon d'Or in 2019 before last year's awards were cancelled due to the pandemic. He also won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015. In the last season, Messi scored 38 goals in 48 games for Barcelona and won the Copa del Rey. He also led Argentina to Copa America glory in July. However, Messi's Ballon d'Or win has been criticised by some. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Toni Kroos and Iker Casillas were surprised by Messi's triumph in Paris. ALSO READ | Did Cristiano Ronaldo comment 'facts' on post that described Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or win as 'theft, shame'? Even, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly commented "facts" on a post that detailed why he deserved the award over his rival Messi. The Instagram post was uploaded on a fan page for CR7, which is followed by Ronaldo himself. In the post, Messi's award was described as: "Theft. Dirt. Shame. Simply regrettable." "Who saw, saw. Anyone who is smart enough knows who the real deserving ones are. Receiving awards without earning it is false happiness, without pride," the caption read. The fan page also stated: "43 goals in the year, 6 goals in 5 games in this Champions League, all decisive and a guy who, regardless of age, continues to work miracles and is the guy who most impresses the world most often. They still put the guy in 6th… Do you really think that 5 guys did more than him in the year? Never."

Watch: Mohamed Salah's reaction to seventh-place finish at the Ballon d'Or

<p>Lionel Messi's father Jorge slammed critics, who are claiming that the 34-year-old footballer didn't deserve to win this year's men's Ballon d'Or award. Among others, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo also commented "facts" on a post that detailed why he deserved the award over Messi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi won the prestigious award&nbsp;for a record-extending seventh time at a ceremony in Paris on Monday (November 29). Messi won the last edition of the Ballon d'Or in 2019 before last year's awards were cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He also won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015. On the other hand, Ronaldo finished sixth in this year's voting and has earned the Ballon d'Or five times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the ceremony, a group of critics said that the Paris Saint-Germain star was apparently not the right choice. He pipped Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who finished second and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who was third in the voting by a jury of journalists from around the world. Not just Ronaldo, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Toni Kroos and Iker Casillas were surprised by Messi's triumph.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jorge uploaded a picture of Messi holding his seventh Golden Ball alongside the caption: "Bla bla bla... carry on."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/did-cristiano-ronaldo-comment-facts-on-post-that-described-lionel-messis-ballon-dor-win-as-theft-shame-433332">Did Cristiano Ronaldo comment 'facts' on post that described Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or win as 'theft, shame'?</a></strong></p>

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<p>This year, Messi scored 38 goals in 48 games last season for Barcelona and won the Copa del Rey before captaining Argentina to Copa America glory in July.</p>

<p>That was the first major international title of his glittering career, which had been spent entirely with Barcelona before his tearful departure from the Camp Nou in August and subsequent move to Paris Saint-Germain.</p>

<p>Messi has played just 11 games for PSG so far, scoring four goals, but he was rewarded as much as anything for his continued brilliance down the years.</p>


Lionel Messi's father Jorge slammed critics, who are claiming that the 34-year-old footballer didn't deserve to win this year's men's Ballon d'Or award. Among others, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo also commented "facts" on a post that detailed why he deserved the award over Messi.

Lionel Messi's father Jorge slammed critics, who are claiming that the 34-year-old footballer didn't deserve to win this year's men's Ballon d'Or award. Among others, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo also commented "facts" on a post that detailed why he deserved the award over Messi. Messi won the prestigious award for a record-extending seventh time at a ceremony in Paris on Monday (November 29). Messi won the last edition of the Ballon d'Or in 2019 before last year's awards were cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He also won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015. On the other hand, Ronaldo finished sixth in this year's voting and has earned the Ballon d'Or five times. After the ceremony, a group of critics said that the Paris Saint-Germain star was apparently not the right choice. He pipped Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who finished second and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who was third in the voting by a jury of journalists from around the world. Not just Ronaldo, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Toni Kroos and Iker Casillas were surprised by Messi's triumph. Jorge uploaded a picture of Messi holding his seventh Golden Ball alongside the caption: "Bla bla bla... carry on." ALSO READ | Did Cristiano Ronaldo comment 'facts' on post that described Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or win as 'theft, shame'? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jorge Messi (@jorge.sole) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jorge Messi (@jorge.sole) × This year, Messi scored 38 goals in 48 games last season for Barcelona and won the Copa del Rey before captaining Argentina to Copa America glory in July. That was the first major international title of his glittering career, which had been spent entirely with Barcelona before his tearful departure from the Camp Nou in August and subsequent move to Paris Saint-Germain. Messi has played just 11 games for PSG so far, scoring four goals, but he was rewarded as much as anything for his continued brilliance down the years.

Lionel Messi's father Jorge takes a sly dig at critics, who are saying PSG star didn't deserve Ballon d'Or

<p>Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time on Monday (November 29). The 34-year-old won the prestigious trophy after beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Messi's Ballon d'Or win didn't go well with some of the critics as a group of people have been claiming on social media forums that Messi was apparently not the right choice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The debate escalated further when Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly commented "facts" on a post that detailed why he deserved the award over his rival Messi.&nbsp;Ronaldo, who finished sixth in this year's voting, has earned the Ballon d'Or five times.</p>

<p>The post is on the Portuguese captain fan page, named 'Cristiano Ronaldo - The Legendary' and its screenshots have gone viral. Interestingly, Ronaldo himself follows that account. In the post, Messi's award was described as: "Theft. Dirt. Shame. Simply regrettable."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-much-lionel-messi-earns-per-week-mind-boggling-salary-of-psg-star-and-his-net-worth-431633">How much Lionel Messi earns per week? Mind-boggling salary of PSG star and his net worth</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-much-lionel-messi-earns-per-week-mind-boggling-salary-of-psg-star-and-his-net-worth-431633"><img alt="Cristiano Ronaldo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2aca0f5-6d6b-4908-b505-21c10e8b223d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FFfWBXGXIAEoPqZ.jpg" /></a></strong></p>

<p>"Who saw, saw. Anyone who is smart enough knows who the real deserving ones are. Receiving awards without earning it is false happiness, without pride," the caption read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fan page also stated: "43 goals in the year, 6 goals in 5 games in this Champions League, all decisive and a guy who, regardless of age, continues to work miracles and is the guy who most impresses the world most often. They still put the guy in 6th… Do you really think that 5 guys did more than him in the year? Never."</p>

<p>"For Cristiano to win this prize he has to be 300% unquestionable. It's no use scoring the most beautiful bike of the year, being champion of everything by club, top scorer of everything and scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup, they still provide a way to take his prize. With Messi, it's the other way around. He can do a low-key season, way below, they'll always find a way to favour him and give him the prize," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not just Ronaldo, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Toni Kroos and Iker Casillas were surprised by Messi's triumph in Paris.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ballon-dor-winner-lionel-messi-doubtful-for-psg-vs-nice-face-off-due-to-stomach-flu-symptoms-433184">Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi doubtful for PSG vs Nice face-off due to stomach flu symptoms</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo commenting “facts” under a post saying Messi robbed the Ballon d’Or and ghosted in big games...<br />
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I actually can’t believe this is a 36 year old athlete, the lack of sportsmanship and the inferiority complex is despicable. <a href="https://t.co/iSMBdbEXey">pic.twitter.com/iSMBdbEXey</a></p>
— MC (@CrewsMat10) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrewsMat10/status/1465882013853007875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ronaldo has also hit back at a "disrespectful" claim that his only remaining ambition is to win the Ballon d'Or more times than Lionel Messi.</p>

<p>The Ballon d'Or, given to the best male and female footballers of the year, is voted on by 180 journalists and presented by France Football.</p>

<p>Pascal Ferre, the editor in chief of France Football, was quoted in the New York Times recently saying Ronaldo told him his primary motivation was to retire having won the accolade more often than his old rival Messi.</p>

<p>Ronaldo, 36, took to Instagram to deny that suggestion. "Today's outcome explains Pascal Ferre's statements last week, when he said that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Ballon d'Ors than Lionel Messi," Ronaldo wrote.</p>


Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time on Monday (November 29). The 34-year-old won the prestigious trophy after beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho.

Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time on Monday (November 29). The 34-year-old won the prestigious trophy after beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho. However, Messi's Ballon d'Or win didn't go well with some of the critics as a group of people have been claiming on social media forums that Messi was apparently not the right choice. The debate escalated further when Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly commented "facts" on a post that detailed why he deserved the award over his rival Messi. Ronaldo, who finished sixth in this year's voting, has earned the Ballon d'Or five times. The post is on the Portuguese captain fan page, named 'Cristiano Ronaldo - The Legendary' and its screenshots have gone viral. Interestingly, Ronaldo himself follows that account. In the post, Messi's award was described as: "Theft. Dirt. Shame. Simply regrettable." IN PICS | How much Lionel Messi earns per week? Mind-boggling salary of PSG star and his net worth "Who saw, saw. Anyone who is smart enough knows who the real deserving ones are. Receiving awards without earning it is false happiness, without pride," the caption read. The fan page also stated: "43 goals in the year, 6 goals in 5 games in this Champions League, all decisive and a guy who, regardless of age, continues to work miracles and is the guy who most impresses the world most often. They still put the guy in 6th… Do you really think that 5 guys did more than him in the year? Never." "For Cristiano to win this prize he has to be 300% unquestionable. It's no use scoring the most beautiful bike of the year, being champion of everything by club, top scorer of everything and scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup, they still provide a way to take his prize. With Messi, it's the other way around. He can do a low-key season, way below, they'll always find a way to favour him and give him the prize," it added. Not just Ronaldo, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Toni Kroos and Iker Casillas were surprised by Messi's triumph in Paris. ALSO READ | Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi doubtful for PSG vs Nice face-off due to stomach flu symptoms Cristiano Ronaldo commenting “facts” under a post saying Messi robbed the Ballon d’Or and ghosted in big games... I actually can’t believe this is a 36 year old athlete, the lack of sportsmanship and the inferiority complex is despicable. pic.twitter.com/iSMBdbEXey — MC (@CrewsMat10) December 1, 2021 × Ronaldo has also hit back at a "disrespectful" claim that his only remaining ambition is to win the Ballon d'Or more times than Lionel Messi. The Ballon d'Or, given to the best male and female footballers of the year, is voted on by 180 journalists and presented by France Football. Pascal Ferre, the editor in chief of France Football, was quoted in the New York Times recently saying Ronaldo told him his primary motivation was to retire having won the accolade more often than his old rival Messi. Ronaldo, 36, took to Instagram to deny that suggestion. "Today's outcome explains Pascal Ferre's statements last week, when he said that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Ballon d'Ors than Lionel Messi," Ronaldo wrote.

Did Cristiano Ronaldo comment 'facts' on post that described Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or win as 'theft, shame'?

<p>Fresh from winning his seventh Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi missed PSG training on Tuesday morning as he is struggling with symptoms of gastroenteritis.</p>

<p>Argentine's presence remains doubtful when Paris Saint-Germain will take on OGC Nice in the big midweek game at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The iconic Argentine appeared to be in good health in a star-studded ceremony in the French capital where he took the Golden Ball for the record-extending 7th time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-lionel-messi-to-alexia-putellas-complete-list-of-winners-from-ballon-dor-2021-awards-ceremony-432917">From Lionel Messi to Alexia Putellas: Complete list of winners from Ballon d'Or 2021 awards ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p>He is, however, feeling under the weather after the ceremony and could sit out a clash with Nice as a result. In a fitness update released on the club's official website, PSG have said: "Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes did not participate in the training session today due to symptoms of gastroenteritis."A further check will be made tomorrow morning," the statement added.</p>

<p>Having joined PSG in August, Messi is the first French-based winner of the Ballon d'Or since Jean-Pierre Papin of Olympique de Marseille in 1991 but he is still yet to produce his very best form on a consistent basis in Ligue 1. The 34-year-old has so far played just seven times, and scored just one goal, in domestic competition for Mauricio Pochettino's side.</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, PSG confirmed that Neymar is likely to be out for between six and eight weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage in Saint-Etienne. That means he is unlikely to feature again before mid-January.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psgs-brazil-forward-neymar-ruled-out-of-action-for-up-to-eight-weeks-with-ankle-injury-432838">PSG's Brazil forward Neymar ruled out of action for up to eight weeks with ankle injury</a></strong></p>

<p>It is just the latest setback for a player whose season has just never really got going - the world's most expensive player has found the net just three times in 14 matches, twice against Girondins de Bordeaux and once from the penalty spot against Olympique Lyonnais.&nbsp;</p>


Fresh from winning his seventh Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi missed PSG training on Tuesday morning as he is struggling with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Argentine's presence remains doubtful when Paris Saint-Germain will take on OGC Nice in the big midweek game at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Fresh from winning his seventh Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi missed PSG training on Tuesday morning as he is struggling with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Argentine's presence remains doubtful when Paris Saint-Germain will take on OGC Nice in the big midweek game at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. The iconic Argentine appeared to be in good health in a star-studded ceremony in the French capital where he took the Golden Ball for the record-extending 7th time. ALSO READ: From Lionel Messi to Alexia Putellas: Complete list of winners from Ballon d'Or 2021 awards ceremony He is, however, feeling under the weather after the ceremony and could sit out a clash with Nice as a result. In a fitness update released on the club's official website, PSG have said: "Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes did not participate in the training session today due to symptoms of gastroenteritis."A further check will be made tomorrow morning," the statement added. Having joined PSG in August, Messi is the first French-based winner of the Ballon d'Or since Jean-Pierre Papin of Olympique de Marseille in 1991 but he is still yet to produce his very best form on a consistent basis in Ligue 1. The 34-year-old has so far played just seven times, and scored just one goal, in domestic competition for Mauricio Pochettino's side. Earlier on Monday, PSG confirmed that Neymar is likely to be out for between six and eight weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage in Saint-Etienne. That means he is unlikely to feature again before mid-January. ALSO READ: PSG's Brazil forward Neymar ruled out of action for up to eight weeks with ankle injury It is just the latest setback for a player whose season has just never really got going - the world's most expensive player has found the net just three times in 14 matches, twice against Girondins de Bordeaux and once from the penalty spot against Olympique Lyonnais.

Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi doubtful for PSG vs Nice face-off due to stomach flu symptoms

<p>Proving why he is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi confirmed his status as the best player in the world once again by clinching a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or title on Tuesday. Messi, who left Barcelona on a free transfer to joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this year, has now become the first player to win the prestigious individual honour in three different decades.</p>

<p>Messi was the top scorer in the La Liga with Barcelona, netting 30 goals while also winning the Copa del Rey. He then inspired Argentina to a memorable Copa America triumph. Messi scored five goals and registered four assists in Copa America, playing an instrumental role in Argentina's triumph.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Argentine legend was pinned against Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea's Jorginho in the final three but emerged on top after beating both. Lewandowski, who has been a goal machine for Bayern Munich, was a clear favourite for the Ballon d'Or last year but the awards were scrapped much to his disappointment. The Polis striker has scored 55 goals and won the Champions League with Bayern last year in what was an incredible season for him.</p>

<p>Lewandowski finished second behind Messi in the Ballon d'Or rankings this year. PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma won the Yachine Trophy for the best goalkeeper of 2021 for his heroics in Euro 2021 and for Juventus at the club level. Lewandowski won the Best Striker of the Year award for scoring 41 goals in the Bundesliga last year.</p>

<p>Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or award after a stunning season with her club and country - Spain. Putellas scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in Barcelona's treble-winning season and has already been named UEFA Best Women's Player of the Year. She is the third woman to win the Ballon d'Or after Ada Hegerberg and Megan Rapinoe, who won the award in 2018 and 2019 respectively.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-beats-robert-lewandowski-to-clinch-record-extending-seventh-ballon-dor-432910">&nbsp;Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or</a></p>

<p>Chelsea, who won the Champions League under Thomas Tuchlel after staging a remarkable comeback post Frank Lampard's sacking, went on to win the Club of the Year award for having the most number of nominations across categories.</p>

<p><strong>Complete list of winners during the 2021 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony:</strong></p>

<p>Kopa trophy (best player under 21) – Barcelona’s Pedri</p>

<p>Best Striker of the Year award – Lewandoski</p>

<p>Women’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas</p>

<p>Yachine Trophy 2021 – PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma</p>

<p>Men’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – PSG’s Lionel Messi.</p>

<p>Club of the Year award – Chelsea</p>


Proving why he is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi confirmed his status as the best player in the world once again by clinching a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or title on Tuesday.

Proving why he is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi confirmed his status as the best player in the world once again by clinching a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or title on Tuesday. Messi, who left Barcelona on a free transfer to joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this year, has now become the first player to win the prestigious individual honour in three different decades. Messi was the top scorer in the La Liga with Barcelona, netting 30 goals while also winning the Copa del Rey. He then inspired Argentina to a memorable Copa America triumph. Messi scored five goals and registered four assists in Copa America, playing an instrumental role in Argentina's triumph. The Argentine legend was pinned against Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea's Jorginho in the final three but emerged on top after beating both. Lewandowski, who has been a goal machine for Bayern Munich, was a clear favourite for the Ballon d'Or last year but the awards were scrapped much to his disappointment. The Polis striker has scored 55 goals and won the Champions League with Bayern last year in what was an incredible season for him. Lewandowski finished second behind Messi in the Ballon d'Or rankings this year. PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma won the Yachine Trophy for the best goalkeeper of 2021 for his heroics in Euro 2021 and for Juventus at the club level. Lewandowski won the Best Striker of the Year award for scoring 41 goals in the Bundesliga last year. Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or award after a stunning season with her club and country - Spain. Putellas scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in Barcelona's treble-winning season and has already been named UEFA Best Women's Player of the Year. She is the third woman to win the Ballon d'Or after Ada Hegerberg and Megan Rapinoe, who won the award in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Also Read: Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or Chelsea, who won the Champions League under Thomas Tuchlel after staging a remarkable comeback post Frank Lampard's sacking, went on to win the Club of the Year award for having the most number of nominations across categories. Complete list of winners during the 2021 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony: Kopa trophy (best player under 21) – Barcelona’s Pedri Best Striker of the Year award – Lewandoski Women’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas Yachine Trophy 2021 – PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma Men’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – PSG’s Lionel Messi. Club of the Year award – Chelsea

From Lionel Messi to Alexia Putellas: Complete list of winners from Ballon d'Or 2021 awards ceremony

<p>Argentina`s Lionel Messi won the Ballon d`Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time on Monday, beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho to lift soccer`s most prestigious trophy yet again.<br />
The forward added to his 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019 trophies after winning the Copa America for the first time with his country last July.</p>

<p>"It`s incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time. Winning the Copa America was key," Messi said at Paris`s Theatre du Chatelet.</p>

<p>"It is a special year for me with this Copa America title. It meant a lot to win at the Maracana stadium and I was so happy to celebrate with the people from Argentina.</p>

<p>"I don`t know if it`s the best year of my life, I`ve had a long career, but it was a special one with the title with Argentina after the tough times and the criticism."</p>

<p>Messi, who joined Paris St Germain on a free transfer from Barcelona during the close season after finishing as La Liga`s top scorer with the Spanish club, collected 613 points, with Bayern Munich`s Lewandowski, named best striker on Monday, getting 580.</p>

<p>Jorginho, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and the European championship with Italy, ended up third on 460, ahead of France`s Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante in fourth and fifth places respectively.</p>

<p>Chelsea, named club of the year, also had keeper Edouard Mendy finishing second in the Yashin trophy behind Italy`s Gianluigi Donnarumma.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psgs-brazil-forward-neymar-ruled-out-of-action-for-up-to-eight-weeks-with-ankle-injury-432838">&nbsp;PSG's Brazil forward Neymar ruled out of action for up to eight weeks with ankle injury</a></p>

<p>The women`s Ballon d`Or went to Alexia Putellas after the Spain midfielder guided Barcelona to Champions League glory.</p>

<p>"The key moment was the Champions League final against Olympique Lyonnais," she said.</p>

<p>Putellas is the third winner of the Ballon d’Or Feminin after Ada Hegerberg in 2018 and Megan Rapinoe in 2019. There was no ceremony last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>On a good night for Barcelona, the 19-year-old Pedri was awarded the Kopa trophy for the best Under-21 player.</p>

<p>"The best way to celebrate turning 19 is receiving this award. I’d like to thank everyone at Barcelona for helping me here," he said.</p>


Argentina`s Lionel Messi won the Ballon d`Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time on Monday, beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho to lift soccer`s most prestigious trophy yet again.

Argentina`s Lionel Messi won the Ballon d`Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time on Monday, beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho to lift soccer`s most prestigious trophy yet again. The forward added to his 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019 trophies after winning the Copa America for the first time with his country last July. "It`s incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time. Winning the Copa America was key," Messi said at Paris`s Theatre du Chatelet. "It is a special year for me with this Copa America title. It meant a lot to win at the Maracana stadium and I was so happy to celebrate with the people from Argentina. "I don`t know if it`s the best year of my life, I`ve had a long career, but it was a special one with the title with Argentina after the tough times and the criticism." Messi, who joined Paris St Germain on a free transfer from Barcelona during the close season after finishing as La Liga`s top scorer with the Spanish club, collected 613 points, with Bayern Munich`s Lewandowski, named best striker on Monday, getting 580. Jorginho, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and the European championship with Italy, ended up third on 460, ahead of France`s Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante in fourth and fifth places respectively. Chelsea, named club of the year, also had keeper Edouard Mendy finishing second in the Yashin trophy behind Italy`s Gianluigi Donnarumma. Also Read: PSG's Brazil forward Neymar ruled out of action for up to eight weeks with ankle injury The women`s Ballon d`Or went to Alexia Putellas after the Spain midfielder guided Barcelona to Champions League glory. "The key moment was the Champions League final against Olympique Lyonnais," she said. Putellas is the third winner of the Ballon d’Or Feminin after Ada Hegerberg in 2018 and Megan Rapinoe in 2019. There was no ceremony last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. On a good night for Barcelona, the 19-year-old Pedri was awarded the Kopa trophy for the best Under-21 player. "The best way to celebrate turning 19 is receiving this award. I’d like to thank everyone at Barcelona for helping me here," he said.

Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or

<p>Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed France Football editor-in-chief Pascal Ferre for claiming that the Portuguese legend told him he wants to retire with more Ballon d'Or awards than his arch-rival Lionel Messi. France Football gives out the Ballon d'Or award every year to honour the best player of the year. The award is considered the most prestigious individual honour in world football.</p>

<p>In a lengthy post on Instagram, Ronaldo blasted Ferre and branded him a 'liar' while also accusing him of using his name to promote himself and his publication. Ronaldo's statement came after Messi was awarded the Ballon d'Or 2021 in Paris on Tuesday. The Argentine icon claimed the honour for a record-extending seventh time.</p>

<p>“Ronaldo has only one ambition, and that is to retire with more Ballons d’Or than Messi…. and I know that because he has told me,” Ferre had been quoted as saying earlier.</p>

<p>Responding to his claims, Ronaldo lashed out at Ferre and said it was unacceptable that a person responsible for giving out a major honour like the Ballon d'Or is making such baseless allegations again. He also slammed the Ballon d'Or chief for justifying his absence at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony on Tuesday with a lie.</p>

<p>“Today’s outcome explains why Pascal Ferré’s statements last week. when he stated that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Golden Balls than Lionel Messi. Pascal Ferré lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for," Ronaldo wrote in a post on Instagram.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-beats-robert-lewandowski-to-clinch-record-extending-seventh-ballon-dor-432910">Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or</a></p>

<p>“It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d’Or. And he lied again today, justifying my absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to exist. I always want to congratulate those who win, within the sportsmanship and fair-play that have guided my career since the beginning, and I do it because I’m never against anyone.</p>

<p>“I always win for myself and for the clubs I represent, I win for myself and for those who love me. I don’t win against anyone. The biggest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country," he added.</p>

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<p>Ronaldo, who is regarded as one of the best footballers of all time, has five Ballon d'Or awards to his name. He has proven himself in top leagues around the globe and has been a force to reckon with for Portugal at the international level. The goal machine is currently at Manchester United, where he first came to the limelight after his exploits in the Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-lionel-messi-to-alexia-putellas-complete-list-of-winners-from-ballon-dor-2021-awards-ceremony-432917">From Lionel Messi to Alexia Putellas: Complete list of winners from Ballon d'Or 2021 awards ceremony</a></p>

<p>A serial winner, Ronaldo is one of the most successful footballers of all time and has won as many as five Champions League titles along with three Premier League and two La Liga trophies in his illustrious career. He has also won Serie A twice with Juventus. Ronaldo said the biggest ambition of his career is to set a good example for professional footballers around the world and to leave his name in golden letters in the history of the game.</p>

<p>“The biggest ambition of my career is to be a good example for all those who are or want to be professional footballers. The biggest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football.</p>

<p>“I will end by saying that my focus is already on Manchester United’s next game and on everything that, together with my teammates and our fans, we can still achieve this season. The rest? The rest is just the rest…”</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed France Football editor-in-chief Pascal Ferre for claiming that the Portuguese legend told him he wants to retire with more Ballon d'Or awards than his arch-rival Lionel Messi.

Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed France Football editor-in-chief Pascal Ferre for claiming that the Portuguese legend told him he wants to retire with more Ballon d'Or awards than his arch-rival Lionel Messi. France Football gives out the Ballon d'Or award every year to honour the best player of the year. The award is considered the most prestigious individual honour in world football. In a lengthy post on Instagram, Ronaldo blasted Ferre and branded him a 'liar' while also accusing him of using his name to promote himself and his publication. Ronaldo's statement came after Messi was awarded the Ballon d'Or 2021 in Paris on Tuesday. The Argentine icon claimed the honour for a record-extending seventh time. “Ronaldo has only one ambition, and that is to retire with more Ballons d’Or than Messi…. and I know that because he has told me,” Ferre had been quoted as saying earlier. Responding to his claims, Ronaldo lashed out at Ferre and said it was unacceptable that a person responsible for giving out a major honour like the Ballon d'Or is making such baseless allegations again. He also slammed the Ballon d'Or chief for justifying his absence at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony on Tuesday with a lie. “Today’s outcome explains why Pascal Ferré’s statements last week. when he stated that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Golden Balls than Lionel Messi. Pascal Ferré lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for," Ronaldo wrote in a post on Instagram. Also Read: Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or “It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d’Or. And he lied again today, justifying my absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to exist. I always want to congratulate those who win, within the sportsmanship and fair-play that have guided my career since the beginning, and I do it because I’m never against anyone. “I always win for myself and for the clubs I represent, I win for myself and for those who love me. I don’t win against anyone. The biggest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country," he added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) × Ronaldo, who is regarded as one of the best footballers of all time, has five Ballon d'Or awards to his name. He has proven himself in top leagues around the globe and has been a force to reckon with for Portugal at the international level. The goal machine is currently at Manchester United, where he first came to the limelight after his exploits in the Premier League. Also Read: From Lionel Messi to Alexia Putellas: Complete list of winners from Ballon d'Or 2021 awards ceremony A serial winner, Ronaldo is one of the most successful footballers of all time and has won as many as five Champions League titles along with three Premier League and two La Liga trophies in his illustrious career. He has also won Serie A twice with Juventus. Ronaldo said the biggest ambition of his career is to set a good example for professional footballers around the world and to leave his name in golden letters in the history of the game. “The biggest ambition of my career is to be a good example for all those who are or want to be professional footballers. The biggest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football. “I will end by saying that my focus is already on Manchester United’s next game and on everything that, together with my teammates and our fans, we can still achieve this season. The rest? The rest is just the rest…”

Cristiano Ronaldo slams Ballon d'Or chief Pascal Ferre, brands him a 'liar' over Lionel Messi claim

<p>After winning the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time, Argentine and Paris Saint-Germain striker Lionel Messi said that Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski really deserved the accolade.</p>

<p>Messi was awarded the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time on Monday at a ceremony in Paris but he admitted that he had stiff competition from Lewandowski.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-lionel-messi-to-alexia-putellas-complete-list-of-winners-from-ballon-dor-2021-awards-ceremony-432917">From Lionel Messi to Alexia Putellas: Complete list of winners from Ballon d'Or 2021 awards ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p>"I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it's been a real honour to compete with you. Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year," Goal.com quoted Messi as saying.</p>

<p>"I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d'Or - you deserve it and you should have it at home," he added. Lewandowski was viewed as the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or in 2020 because of his goal-scoring exploits. But the award was cancelled that year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>"I think Robert Lewandowski had a great year. Year after year, he improves and shows the excellent striker he is, as well as his ability to score goals," said Messi.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-beats-robert-lewandowski-to-clinch-record-extending-seventh-ballon-dor-432910">&nbsp;Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or</a></strong></p>

<p>"This year he was awarded as the top scorer. Of course, he can certainly aspire to that level next year, thanks to his way of being on the pitch. And in addition, he plays for a big club," he added.</p>

<p>Lewandowski collected 33 points fewer than Messi, and he came in in second place for this year's Ballon d'Or.&nbsp;</p>


After winning the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time, Argentine and Paris Saint-Germain striker Lionel Messi said that Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski really deserved the accolade.

After winning the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time, Argentine and Paris Saint-Germain striker Lionel Messi said that Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski really deserved the accolade. Messi was awarded the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time on Monday at a ceremony in Paris but he admitted that he had stiff competition from Lewandowski. ALSO READ: From Lionel Messi to Alexia Putellas: Complete list of winners from Ballon d'Or 2021 awards ceremony "I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it's been a real honour to compete with you. Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year," Goal.com quoted Messi as saying. "I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d'Or - you deserve it and you should have it at home," he added. Lewandowski was viewed as the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or in 2020 because of his goal-scoring exploits. But the award was cancelled that year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. "I think Robert Lewandowski had a great year. Year after year, he improves and shows the excellent striker he is, as well as his ability to score goals," said Messi. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or "This year he was awarded as the top scorer. Of course, he can certainly aspire to that level next year, thanks to his way of being on the pitch. And in addition, he plays for a big club," he added. Lewandowski collected 33 points fewer than Messi, and he came in in second place for this year's Ballon d'Or.

Robert Lewandowski deserves Ballon d'Or, you were the winner last year, says Lionel Messi

<p>Paris St Germain`s Brazil forward Neymar faces six to eight weeks on the sidelines with an ankle sprain sustained in Sunday`s 3-1 Ligue 1 comeback victory at 10-man St Etienne, the French club said in a statement on Monday.</p>

<p>The 29-year-old twisted his ankle in the dying seconds of the match after treading on the leg of St Etienne`s Yvann Macon which left him screaming in agony before he was carried off. Neymar was later pictured leaving the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard stadium on crutches.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-appoint-ralf-rangnick-as-interim-manager-after-ole-gunnar-solskjaers-sacking-432774"><strong>Manchester United appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking</strong></a></p>

<p>"The examinations carried out last night confirm that Neymar Jr suffers from a sprained left ankle with ligament injuries. An unavailability of six to eight weeks is to be expected," PSG said, adding his injury will be evaluated again in 72 hours. Neymar had earlier said in an Instagram post that setbacks were part of an athlete`s life and vowed to "come back better and stronger."</p>

<p>PSG`s Lionel Messi set up all three goals in the game as they stretched their lead at the top to 12 points.</p>


Paris St Germain`s Brazil forward Neymar faces six to eight weeks on the sidelines with an ankle sprain sustained in Sunday`s 3-1 Ligue 1 comeback victory at 10-man St Etienne, the French club said in a statement on Monday.

Paris St Germain`s Brazil forward Neymar faces six to eight weeks on the sidelines with an ankle sprain sustained in Sunday`s 3-1 Ligue 1 comeback victory at 10-man St Etienne, the French club said in a statement on Monday. The 29-year-old twisted his ankle in the dying seconds of the match after treading on the leg of St Etienne`s Yvann Macon which left him screaming in agony before he was carried off. Neymar was later pictured leaving the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard stadium on crutches. ALSO READ | Manchester United appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking "The examinations carried out last night confirm that Neymar Jr suffers from a sprained left ankle with ligament injuries. An unavailability of six to eight weeks is to be expected," PSG said, adding his injury will be evaluated again in 72 hours. Neymar had earlier said in an Instagram post that setbacks were part of an athlete`s life and vowed to "come back better and stronger." PSG`s Lionel Messi set up all three goals in the game as they stretched their lead at the top to 12 points.

PSG's Brazil forward Neymar ruled out of action for up to eight weeks with ankle injury

<p>Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual honour in world football and is awarded to the best player of the season every year. This year's Ballon d'Or&nbsp;ceremony will take place in Paris with the best men's player and best women's player set to be honoured after voting from journalists and footballers around the world. The Ballon d'Or awards are conducted by France Football.</p>

<p>The award ceremony had to be cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic with many believing Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski was robbed of a chance to win his maiden Ballon d'Or honour. Nonetheless, the Polis striker is once again in the fray this year and is among the favourites to win the prestigious award.</p>

<p>Argentine legend Lionel Messi was the last player to claim the Ballon d'Or in 2021 after a splendid season with his former club Barcelona. It was Messi's record sixth Ballon d'Or trophy and he is once again deemed as one of the favourites to clinch the title this year. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi won the Copa del Rey and scored 30 goals in the La Liga for Barcelona in what proved to be his last season for the Spanish giants. While he has had a not-so-perfect start to life at his new club PSG, Messi also led Argentina to Copa America triumph, winning his maiden international title last season which makes him one of the strongest contenders for Ballon d'Or 2021.</p>

<p>The winners of men's Ballon d'Or, women's Ballon d'Or along with the Kopa Trophy (best performing player under the age of 21) and Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper) will be announced on Tuesday at the Ballon d'Or 2021 award ceremony. Here is all you need to know about Ballon d'Or 2021 -</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/4-players-who-can-pip-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-to-claim-maiden-ballon-dor-honour-this-year-419467">4 players who can pip Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo to claim maiden Ballon d'Or honour this year</a></p>

<p><strong>When is the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony?</strong></p>

<p>The Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will take place on Tuesday (November 30) as per the Indian Standard Time.</p>

<p><strong>What time does the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony start?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will start around 1:00 AM IST on November 30.</p>

<p><strong>Where is the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony?</strong></p>

<p>The Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will be held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.</p>

<p><strong>Which channel in India will telecast the Ballon d'Or 2021 awards live?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will be live on the Star network in India.</p>

<p><strong>Where can I watch the live streaming of the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony?</strong></p>

<p>The live streaming of the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will be available on Hotstar.</p>

<p><strong>Who are the nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2021 award?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Men:</strong> Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund), Jorginho (Chelsea), Harry Kane (Tottenham), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea), Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedri (Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid),&nbsp;Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Phil Foden (Manchester City)</p>

<p><strong>Women:&nbsp;</strong>Sandra Panos (Barcelona), Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal), Ellen White (Manchester City), Pernille Harder (Chelsea), Sam Mewis (North Carolina Courage), Wendie Renard (Lyon), Marie-Antoinette Katoto (PSG), Stina Blackstenius (Hacken), Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea), Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Alexia Putellas(Barcelona), Kadidiatou Diani (PSG), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jennifer Hermoso (Barcelona), Christiane Endler (Lyon), Christine Sinclair (Thorns FC), Ashley Lawrence (PSG), Irene Paredes (Barcelona), Jessie Fleming (Chelsea), Lieke Martens (Barcelona)</p>


Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual honour in world football and is awarded to the best player of the season every year. This year's Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in Paris with the best men's player and best women's player set to be honoured after voting from journalists and footballers around the world.

Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual honour in world football and is awarded to the best player of the season every year. This year's Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in Paris with the best men's player and best women's player set to be honoured after voting from journalists and footballers around the world. The Ballon d'Or awards are conducted by France Football. The award ceremony had to be cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic with many believing Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski was robbed of a chance to win his maiden Ballon d'Or honour. Nonetheless, the Polis striker is once again in the fray this year and is among the favourites to win the prestigious award. Argentine legend Lionel Messi was the last player to claim the Ballon d'Or in 2021 after a splendid season with his former club Barcelona. It was Messi's record sixth Ballon d'Or trophy and he is once again deemed as one of the favourites to clinch the title this year. Messi won the Copa del Rey and scored 30 goals in the La Liga for Barcelona in what proved to be his last season for the Spanish giants. While he has had a not-so-perfect start to life at his new club PSG, Messi also led Argentina to Copa America triumph, winning his maiden international title last season which makes him one of the strongest contenders for Ballon d'Or 2021. The winners of men's Ballon d'Or, women's Ballon d'Or along with the Kopa Trophy (best performing player under the age of 21) and Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper) will be announced on Tuesday at the Ballon d'Or 2021 award ceremony. Here is all you need to know about Ballon d'Or 2021 - Also Read: 4 players who can pip Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo to claim maiden Ballon d'Or honour this year When is the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony? The Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will take place on Tuesday (November 30) as per the Indian Standard Time. What time does the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony start? The Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will start around 1:00 AM IST on November 30. Where is the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony? The Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will be held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Which channel in India will telecast the Ballon d'Or 2021 awards live? The Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will be live on the Star network in India. Where can I watch the live streaming of the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony? The live streaming of the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony will be available on Hotstar. Who are the nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2021 award? Men: Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund), Jorginho (Chelsea), Harry Kane (Tottenham), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea), Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedri (Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Phil Foden (Manchester City) Women: Sandra Panos (Barcelona), Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal), Ellen White (Manchester City), Pernille Harder (Chelsea), Sam Mewis (North Carolina Courage), Wendie Renard (Lyon), Marie-Antoinette Katoto (PSG), Stina Blackstenius (Hacken), Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea), Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Alexia Putellas(Barcelona), Kadidiatou Diani (PSG), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jennifer Hermoso (Barcelona), Christiane Endler (Lyon), Christine Sinclair (Thorns FC), Ashley Lawrence (PSG), Irene Paredes (Barcelona), Jessie Fleming (Chelsea), Lieke Martens (Barcelona)

Ballon d'Or 2021 Live streaming: When and where to watch Ballon d'Or award ceremony in India?

<p>ST ETIENNE, France (Reuters) -Lionel Messi set up all three goals as Paris St Germain stretched their Ligue 1 lead to 12 points with a 3-1 comeback win at 10-man St Etienne on Sunday, while Neymar was taken off on a stretcher with a possible ankle injury.<br />
<br />
PSG made the most of Timothee Kolodziejczak`s red card on the stroke of halftime. Messi fed Marquinhos for two headed goals and Angel Di Maria struck to seal a clinical turnaround after Les Verts had opened the scoring through Denis Bouanga.<br />
<br />
The result put the capital side on 40 points from 15 games, with Stade Rennais leapfrogging Nice into second after goals by Gaetan Laborde and Jeremy Doku earned them a 2-0 win at Lorient, their sixth victory in their last seven league games.<br />
<br />
St Etienne, who mounted a decent challenge despite being a man down as snow fell on the Geoffroy Guichard stadium, are now bottom of the standings with 12 points.<br />
<br />
The game marked Sergio Ramos`s debut for PSG, almost five months after joining from Real Madrid as a free agent, and the Spaniard started in central defence alongside Marquinhos.<br />
<br />
St Etienne pressed high and PSG looked to hit them on the break, with Neymar finding the back of the net early on only for the Brazilian`s goal to be ruled out for offside.<br />
<br />
The hosts went ahead after 24 minutes when Kolodziejczak, set up by a superb Wahbi Khazri through pass, shot straight at goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma but Banga followed up and fired home from point-blank range.<br />
<br />
The momentum swung towards PSG in a couple of minutes on the stroke of halftime.<br />
<br />
Kolodziejczak was harshly shown a straight red card for bringing down Kylian Mbappe as the France striker charged towards goal and Marquinhos headed home Messi`s perfectly-executed free kick.<br />
<br />
Messi was at it again 11 minutes from time, whipping a fine pass behind the back of the defence for Di Maria, who finished with a curled effort into the far corner of the net.<br />
<br />
Marquinhos headed home again from Messi`s cross in the last minute, three minutes after Neymar was carried off after twisting his ankle.<br />
<br />
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ken Ferris and Clare Fallon)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


ST ETIENNE, France (Reuters) -Lionel Messi set up all three goals as Paris St Germain stretched their Ligue 1 lead to 12 points with a 3-1 comeback win at 10-man St Etienne on Sunday, while Neymar was taken off on a stretcher with a possible ankle injury.

ST ETIENNE, France (Reuters) -Lionel Messi set up all three goals as Paris St Germain stretched their Ligue 1 lead to 12 points with a 3-1 comeback win at 10-man St Etienne on Sunday, while Neymar was taken off on a stretcher with a possible ankle injury. PSG made the most of Timothee Kolodziejczak`s red card on the stroke of halftime. Messi fed Marquinhos for two headed goals and Angel Di Maria struck to seal a clinical turnaround after Les Verts had opened the scoring through Denis Bouanga. The result put the capital side on 40 points from 15 games, with Stade Rennais leapfrogging Nice into second after goals by Gaetan Laborde and Jeremy Doku earned them a 2-0 win at Lorient, their sixth victory in their last seven league games. St Etienne, who mounted a decent challenge despite being a man down as snow fell on the Geoffroy Guichard stadium, are now bottom of the standings with 12 points. The game marked Sergio Ramos`s debut for PSG, almost five months after joining from Real Madrid as a free agent, and the Spaniard started in central defence alongside Marquinhos. St Etienne pressed high and PSG looked to hit them on the break, with Neymar finding the back of the net early on only for the Brazilian`s goal to be ruled out for offside. The hosts went ahead after 24 minutes when Kolodziejczak, set up by a superb Wahbi Khazri through pass, shot straight at goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma but Banga followed up and fired home from point-blank range. The momentum swung towards PSG in a couple of minutes on the stroke of halftime. Kolodziejczak was harshly shown a straight red card for bringing down Kylian Mbappe as the France striker charged towards goal and Marquinhos headed home Messi`s perfectly-executed free kick. Messi was at it again 11 minutes from time, whipping a fine pass behind the back of the defence for Di Maria, who finished with a curled effort into the far corner of the net. Marquinhos headed home again from Messi`s cross in the last minute, three minutes after Neymar was carried off after twisting his ankle. (Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ken Ferris and Clare Fallon)

Lionel Messi in assist mode as PSG beat 10-man St Etienne

<p>Robert Lewandowski threatens to deny Lionel Messi a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or title as the prestigious awards ceremony returns Monday after it was cancelled last year because of the pandemic.</p>

<p>The Bayern Munich and Poland striker pilfered a Bundesliga record 41 goals in just 29 games last season to eclipse the long-standing mark set by the late Gerd Mueller. Lewandowski, 33, scooped FIFA's prize for best male player of 2020 and has the backing of both coach Julian Nagelsmann and Bayern team-mate Thomas Mueller after a prolific start to the new campaign.</p>

<p>"'Lewy' has to win the thing on Monday when you see the way he is playing at the moment," Mueller said of a player who has already scored 25 times in 20 appearances this season. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have combined to win 11 of the past 12 editions of the Ballon d'Or, the lone exception in 2018 when Luka Modric helped Real Madrid to another Champions League triumph and inspired Croatia to the World Cup final.</p>

<p>"Robert deserves to win it, because in my view he has been more unbelievably consistent than any other player," Nagelsmann said last month in an interview with Munich newspaper Abendzeitung.</p>

<p>While Messi has endured a stop-start beginning to life at Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine bagged 30 league goals in his farewell season at Barcelona and also won the Copa del Rey.</p>

<p>Further strengthening his case was a first major international trophy in July, as Argentina beat rivals Brazil to win the Copa America at the Maracana -- ending the country's 28-year wait for the title.</p>

<p><strong>Seventh heaven?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"My biggest prize was what I was able to achieve with the national team," Messi told Catalan daily Sport recently. "After having fought and fought so much for that achievement, it was the best given all that it cost.</p>

<p>"If the Ballon d'Or were to arrive, it would be extraordinary for what it would mean to win one more. The seventh would be crazy." Ronaldo last took home the trophy in 2017. The Champions League's all-time top scorer has struck in all five games in Europe during his second spell at Manchester United but appears an outside contender for a sixth Ballon d'Or.</p>

<p>Karim Benzema received support from Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane and tennis star Rafael Nadal following a tremendous year with Real Madrid. However the France star this week received a one-year suspended sentence for complicity in a bid to blackmail his former international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex tape. He was also given a 75,000-euro ($84,000) fine.</p>

<p>Five members of Italy's Euro 2020-winning squad feature on the 30-man shortlist, including Chelsea midfielder and Champions League winner Jorginho. Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland -- viewed as Ballon d'Or winners of the future -- also feature alongside Neymar and Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah, the leading Premier League scorer this term.</p>

<p>Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas, the UEFA women's player of the year, is a leading candidate to succeed 2019 Ballon d'Or winner Megan Rapinoe. The American was not among the 20 nominees.</p>

<p>Putellas is joined by Barca team-mates Jennifer Hermoso and Lieke Martens following their Champions League triumph, with Australia's Sam Kerr among five Chelsea representatives. Christine Sinclair, of Olympic gold medal-winning Canada, is also in the running. The Kopa trophy will be handed out to the best young men's player, while 10 goalkeepers are shortlisted for the Yashin trophy.</p>


Robert Lewandowski threatens to deny Lionel Messi a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or title as the prestigious awards ceremony returns Monday after it was cancelled last year because of the pandemic.

Robert Lewandowski threatens to deny Lionel Messi a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or title as the prestigious awards ceremony returns Monday after it was cancelled last year because of the pandemic. The Bayern Munich and Poland striker pilfered a Bundesliga record 41 goals in just 29 games last season to eclipse the long-standing mark set by the late Gerd Mueller. Lewandowski, 33, scooped FIFA's prize for best male player of 2020 and has the backing of both coach Julian Nagelsmann and Bayern team-mate Thomas Mueller after a prolific start to the new campaign. "'Lewy' has to win the thing on Monday when you see the way he is playing at the moment," Mueller said of a player who has already scored 25 times in 20 appearances this season. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have combined to win 11 of the past 12 editions of the Ballon d'Or, the lone exception in 2018 when Luka Modric helped Real Madrid to another Champions League triumph and inspired Croatia to the World Cup final. "Robert deserves to win it, because in my view he has been more unbelievably consistent than any other player," Nagelsmann said last month in an interview with Munich newspaper Abendzeitung. While Messi has endured a stop-start beginning to life at Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine bagged 30 league goals in his farewell season at Barcelona and also won the Copa del Rey. Further strengthening his case was a first major international trophy in July, as Argentina beat rivals Brazil to win the Copa America at the Maracana -- ending the country's 28-year wait for the title. Seventh heaven? "My biggest prize was what I was able to achieve with the national team," Messi told Catalan daily Sport recently. "After having fought and fought so much for that achievement, it was the best given all that it cost. "If the Ballon d'Or were to arrive, it would be extraordinary for what it would mean to win one more. The seventh would be crazy." Ronaldo last took home the trophy in 2017. The Champions League's all-time top scorer has struck in all five games in Europe during his second spell at Manchester United but appears an outside contender for a sixth Ballon d'Or. Karim Benzema received support from Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane and tennis star Rafael Nadal following a tremendous year with Real Madrid. However the France star this week received a one-year suspended sentence for complicity in a bid to blackmail his former international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex tape. He was also given a 75,000-euro ($84,000) fine. Five members of Italy's Euro 2020-winning squad feature on the 30-man shortlist, including Chelsea midfielder and Champions League winner Jorginho. Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland -- viewed as Ballon d'Or winners of the future -- also feature alongside Neymar and Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah, the leading Premier League scorer this term. Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas, the UEFA women's player of the year, is a leading candidate to succeed 2019 Ballon d'Or winner Megan Rapinoe. The American was not among the 20 nominees. Putellas is joined by Barca team-mates Jennifer Hermoso and Lieke Martens following their Champions League triumph, with Australia's Sam Kerr among five Chelsea representatives. Christine Sinclair, of Olympic gold medal-winning Canada, is also in the running. The Kopa trophy will be handed out to the best young men's player, while 10 goalkeepers are shortlisted for the Yashin trophy.

Robert Lewandowski tipped for Ballon d'Or as Lionel Messi eyes seventh prize

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<p>Goals in the second half from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus helped Manchester City beat Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 2-1 in the Champions League. With this win, Manchester City sealed the spot in the last 16 on Wednesday. In the game, Kylian Mbappe had given visitors a lead against the run of play when he fired a goal in the 49th minute. But Sterling struck to level the scoreboard in the 63rd minute before substitute Jesus wrapped up the game by converting from close range 14 minutes from scheduled closing time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-wants-to-help-the-team-thibaut-courtois-reveals-eden-hazard-still-wants-to-succeed-at-real-madrid-431627"><strong>'He wants to help the team': Thibaut Courtois reveals Eden Hazard still wants to succeed at Real Madrid</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite the loss, Paris Saint-Germain have booked their place in the knockout stages following Club Brugge`s defeat at the hands of already out of the race RB Leipzig. Manchester City will next lock horns with RB Leipzig on December 7 while PSG will face Club Brugge on the same day in the Champions League.&nbsp;</p>


Goals in the second half from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus helped Manchester City beat Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 2-1 in the Champions League. With this win, Manchester City sealed the spot in the last 16 on Wednesday.

Goals in the second half from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus helped Manchester City beat Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 2-1 in the Champions League. With this win, Manchester City sealed the spot in the last 16 on Wednesday. In the game, Kylian Mbappe had given visitors a lead against the run of play when he fired a goal in the 49th minute. But Sterling struck to level the scoreboard in the 63rd minute before substitute Jesus wrapped up the game by converting from close range 14 minutes from scheduled closing time. ALSO READ | 'He wants to help the team': Thibaut Courtois reveals Eden Hazard still wants to succeed at Real Madrid Despite the loss, Paris Saint-Germain have booked their place in the knockout stages following Club Brugge`s defeat at the hands of already out of the race RB Leipzig. Manchester City will next lock horns with RB Leipzig on December 7 while PSG will face Club Brugge on the same day in the Champions League.

Champions League: Gabriel Jesus' late strike helps Man City edge past PSG by 2-1 margin

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Lionel Messi surpasses Pele with twin strikes vs Club Brugge, eyes arch-rival CR7's goal tally

Lionel Messi surpasses Pele with twin strikes vs Club Brugge, eyes arch-rival CR7's goal tally

Lionel Messi in 2021: Dramatic Barca exit, maiden international trophy and a record-extending 7th Ballon d'Or

'I have never tried to be the best,' says Lionel Messi after seventh Ballon d'Or win

From the hottest month to biggest airlift: Here are the biggest records of 2021

Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo: A look at last five Ballon d'Or winners

Watch: Mohamed Salah's reaction to seventh-place finish at the Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi's father Jorge takes a sly dig at critics, who are saying PSG star didn't deserve Ballon d'Or

Did Cristiano Ronaldo comment 'facts' on post that described Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or win as 'theft, shame'?

Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi doubtful for PSG vs Nice face-off due to stomach flu symptoms

From Lionel Messi to Alexia Putellas: Complete list of winners from Ballon d'Or 2021 awards ceremony

Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or