Home

Soccer

After 8th Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi Bags Rare MVP Title Over Cristiano Ronaldo Despite Exploits For Al Nassr

Published 11/02/2023, 2:17 PM EDT

Follow Us

via Imago

Some rivalries define an era. Despite being in their respective final phases of their career, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo show no signs of slowing down. The two players have done an exceptional job for their sides this season. However, it seems like Messi has taken an edge over Ronaldo following his Ballon d’Or victory. La Pulga clinched his 8th Ballon d’Or title this week, becoming the first active MLS player in soccer history to achieve the accomplishment.

With this significant milestone, La Pulga has surpassed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski to bag the MVP tag this season. Based on available data, the Argentinian has the highest market value for players over the age of 34. Considering how Ronaldo has reacted to Messi’s Ballon d’Or win; it doesn’t seem he’ll be amused with the recent rankings!

Lionel Messi climbs to the top of the elite list!

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

La Pulga has been on a roll following his move to the United States. Likewise, the Argentinian posted influential numbers for Inter Miami before his injury. The player made 14 appearances for his new side this season across all competitions, finding the back of the net 11 times. With all those exploits in play, Messi rose to the top of the market value for players above 34.

According to the data accessible on Transfermarkt, Lionel Messi has emerged as the most valuable player this season, with a market value of $37 million. Moreover, Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski is ranked second with $31.8 million, while Karim Benzema ranks third with $15.7 million.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Cristiano Ronaldo has missed out on making it into the top three despite tying with Benzema for their market value. However, despite all that, the player has been on an absolute roll as he continues to deliver, even at 38.

MLS Touted to ‘Protect’ Lionel Messi for His 2026 FIFA World Cup Participation

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to impress at 38

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Al Nassr captain has taken the Saudi Pro League by storm this season. Ronaldo is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot and could finish at the top of the standings. The Portuguese has rescued his team from precarious situations this season, finding some of the best last-minute winners.

via Imago

Thanks to their captain’s performance, Al-Nassr is ranked second in the Saudi Pro League. The team is one of the top contenders to lift the league title this season. Al Nassr supporters hope Cristiano can continue his purple patch in the coming games and help the side lift the title.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

How impressed are you with Cristiano Ronaldo’s form this season? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Saurabh Saket

1,045Articles

One take at a time

Saurabh Saket is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. While Saket has been an ardent fan for a while, his passion for the sport stems from FIFA 17 which featured Borussia Dortmund superstar Marco Reus on its cover. With dreams of standing as a part of the Yellow Wall at Signal Iduna Park, Saket loves to write about the game from a fan’s perspective giving his take on recent happenings.
Show More>

Edited by:

Jacob Gijy