After Lionel Messi’s Departure From Europe, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland Omitted From Future Ballon d’Or Winners by 4X Champions League Winner

Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world by joining the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr earlier this year. His rivalry with Lionel Messi ended the moment he opted to play outside Europe. However, Messi is leaving Europe to join MLS club Inter Miami six months after the departure of Ronaldo.  

The most talked about GOAT debate will end as both superstars have opted to play the final years of their soccer away from the spotlight. Meanwhile, a new talking point now is who will be the successors to the legacy of Messi and Ronaldo. And former Real Madrid and AC Milan legend had his say. 

Clarence Seedorf makes a monumental claim

With Messi and Ronaldo leaving Europe, the eyes of the fans will be on the next generation of soccer stars. The debate of who will win the Ballon d’Or next will be at the center. With a host of superstars making strides in their respective careers, many believe Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are the next big things in soccer. However, Dutch legend Seedorf has other views.

He was talking to Pitchside Podcast creators recently. The four-time Champions League winner snubbed Mbappe and Haaland from his list while naming future Ballon d’Or winners. “Who can win the Ballon d’Or? Vinicius Jr., Kevin De Bruyne and Federico Valverde. If the latter scores more goals and plays as a central midfielder, he could be one of the best,” Seedorf said.

Seedorf was full of praise for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde. The Dutch legend was his coach when the Uruguayan was on loan at Deportivo La Coruna from Real Madrid. “I trained him before he came back to Madrid. Before the first game, I asked who it was. He was playing very differently then than he does now, but his potential was evident from the start,” he added.

With everyone having Haaland and Mbappe on their next Ballon d’Or winner’s list, Seedorf snubbing them will surprise many.

Lionel Messi set for a new chapter

It was one of the best seasons for Messi. Maybe not on the club level, but internationally. The Argentine won his first-ever FIFA World Cup last year and completed soccer by winning all the available trophies. Meanwhile, his joy didn’t last long, as he was subject to fan criticism on his return to Paris after winning the coveted trophy.

READ MORE: “There’s a Transition Period” – After Cristiano Ronaldo Disrespect, Gareth Bale Snubs Kylian Mbappe for Premier League Quartet to Take Over Lionel Messi’s Mantle

The PSG Ultras kept booing the Argentine in all of PSG’s home games. It was the case in his last game, too, when the team celebrated the Ligue 1 title. Messi labeled his stay at PSG unhappy during an interview where he announced Inter Miami’s decision. After disappointing two years, he will start a new chapter of his career in Miami. 

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Which next-generation superstar you think will come closest to the legacy of Lionel Messi?