ADD ANI AS A TRUSTED SOURCE
googleads
Menu
Football

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman believes Messi favourite to win Ballon d'Or

Barcelona [Spain], July 18 (ANI): Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has said that Argentine striker Lionel Messi is the favourite to win Ballon d'Or.

ANI Jul 18, 2021 17:32 IST googleads

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi (file image)

Barcelona [Spain], July 18 (ANI): Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has said that Argentine striker Lionel Messi is the favourite to win Ballon d'Or.
Messi won his first international title with Argentina earlier this month as the side defeated Brazil in the finals of the Copa America.
"Messi is vitally important. For what he brings to the team, he's the captain and an example. His goalscoring has been brilliant despite a difficult start," Koeman told Barcelona's official website.
"He has shown time and again he is the best in the world. I know how much he wanted to win the Copa America and he has done it at last. Messi is the prime candidate for the Ballon d'Or after a great season and, for me, he is the favourite," he added.
Messi managed to score 38 goals in 47 matches for Barcelona in the last season, including 30 in La Liga.
The Argentine striker also recorded four goals and five assists for the national side in Copa America and as a result, he was adjudged as Player of the Tournament.
Messi is all set to sign a new five-year contract with Spanish club Barcelona. Along with signing a new deal, Messi will also be taking a 50 per cent wage cut, reported Goal.com.
Messi has agreed to take a cut on his yearly earnings in order to re-sign for Barcelona, and the club will make a formal announcement in the coming weeks. (ANI)

Get the App

What to Read Next

Football

“Iran team is welcome to World Cup, but…”: Trump

“Iran team is welcome to World Cup, but…”: Trump

United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 104 matches, beginning at Mexico City Stadium on June 11 and culminating at New York New Jersey Stadium with the final on 19 July.

Read More
Football

IFL 2025-26: Dempo SC come from behind to hold Chanmari DC

IFL 2025-26: Dempo SC come from behind to hold Chanmari DC

The hosts were reduced to ten men in the 69th minute after Malsawmsanga Renthlei was shown a red card. Dempo capitalised on the advantage in the 81st minute when Marcus Joseph scored with a powerful strike to level the match at 2-2.

Read More
Football

Pritika's brace helps India defeat Myanmar in first U17 friendly

Pritika's brace helps India defeat Myanmar in first U17 friendly

India delivered a mature and balanced display, scoring once in each half while also maintaining a clean sheet against a spirited Myanmar side. Goalkeeper Munni played a crucial role when called upon, while the defensive line marshalled by Abhista Basnett and Elizabed Lakra remained organised and composed throughout the contest.

Read More
Football

IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan United face Namdhari SA

IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan United face Namdhari SA

Rajasthan United FC step onto the pitch at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium, eager to bounce back in front of their home supporters. The Jaipur-based outfit are looking to recover from a 1-3 away defeat to Aizawl FC in the last round.

Read More
Football

IFL 2025-26 Stage 1: Dempo come from behind to hold Chanmari

IFL 2025-26 Stage 1: Dempo come from behind to hold Chanmari

Chanmari took an early lead through Suangaihmuna's header in the 15th minute and doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute when Malsawmsanga finished a well-worked move from close range. Dempo pulled one back just before half-time as Marcus Joseph set up Sebastian Gutierrez in the 45th minute

Read More
Home About Us Our Products Advertise Contact Us Terms & Condition Privacy Policy

Copyright © aninews.in | All Rights Reserved.