Kaka had previously termed Lionel Messi a ‘genius’. Having been rivals in the El Clasico and competing for the Ballon d’Or previously, the Brazilian midfielder knows the quality of the Argentine quite well. Yet, he has shockingly snubbed the 8x Ballon d’Or winner from his Dream XI. However, that’s not the only notable absence from the list. Here’s a look at the Brazilian playmaker’s favourite XI which consists of 9 different World Cup winners!

In his interview with Diario AS, Kaka has named a star-studded XI. Brazilian goalkeeper and his AC Milan pal Dida is the shot-stopper. He makes his way ahead of Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas, who also happened to be Kaka’s captain. In defense as well, he has decided to go with familiar faces. Compatriots Cafu & Roberto Carlos are the full-backs. The legendary Italian duo, Paulo Maldini & Alessandro Nesta are the centre-backs. Here again, the notable absence is that of Sergio Ramos, one of the most decorated center-backs in soccer history.

The midfield makes up for interesting reading. This is because Kaka has named two players whom he has never played alongside. They are Andres Iniesta & Zinedine Zidane. Interestingly, Iniesta is the only direct rival he named, even ahead of the likes of other big names like Xavi & Lionel Messi. The 3rd man in midfield is Italian maestro Andre Pirlo. Kaka-Pirlo was a part of the diamond midfield in Ancelotti’s legendary AC Milan side. Hence, you can’t fault him with this one.

Moving to attack, Ronaldinho & Cristiano Ronaldo are the two wingers. Between them is the iconic Ronaldo Nazario, who also happened to be the legendary midfielder’s idol. Cristiano Ronaldo & Maldini are the only 2 players who haven’t won a World Cup on this list. Fans are quite puzzled regarding Lionel Messi’s absence, who had a case to feature as an attacker or midfielder. Even more so, considering Kaka’s recent comments on the Argentine legend.

Kaka’s Lionel Messi snub was a complete surprise, after his prior verdict

Recently, Kaka was asked to name his ideal soccer player. Around ‘skill’ Kaka’s choice was Lionel Messi. He further said, “I’ll take Messi. I don’t think I need to say something.” He also chose Neymar‘s right foot ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. Hence, it is amusing that he chose CR7 ahead of both Messi and Neymar in his ideal XI.

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Previously, when asked to compare Messi & Ronaldo in the ‘GOAT’ debate, the Brazilian playmaker made an interesting comment. He had praised the Argentine as a ‘genius’ while CR7 was a player with a ‘very strong mentality’. Has the former AC Milan icon changed his stance? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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