“Don’t Let Him Retire” – Poised to Win 8th Ballon D’Or, Lionel Messi’s Brilliance Lauded by Ex-Liverpool Icon After Argentina’s Win

Lionel Messi is the difference maker for Argentina. The World Cup champion is the favorite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, having won the glorious trophy with the La Albiceleste after a 36-year drought. A former Liverpool midfielder has lauded the Argentine’s performances at the World Cup, calling him “one of the best at the tournament”.

Many were left disillusioned after Argentina’s unexpected loss to Saudi Arabia in the group stages. But it turned out to be their only defeat in the tournament.

Lionel Messi turns critics into fans

Lionel Messi rarely ceases to amaze fans. Watching his magic tends to leave one awestruck. Something similar happened to Don Hutchinson, a former Liverpool midfielder when he watched Messi’s performance against Mexico.

In a podcast, Don Hutchinson, now a pundit with ESPN said, “As long as you have him, don’t let him retire, because he can still perform at an incredibly high level. While he may not be the Messi from 10 years ago, he’s still brilliant on the football pitch.”

Hutchinson explained that he had a change in his opinion stating, “I was guilty of judging and comparing Messi like he was Messi from 5-10 years ago. After his strong performance against Mexico,  I watched his next game only concentrating on him as a footballer and he was still one of the best players on the pitch, purely in terms of his soccer abilities.”

The World Cup saw a lot of drama and excitement with Lionel Messi finally clinching the only trophy that escaped him all his career.

Read more – “He Is Fit” – ‘Tired’ Lionel Messi Uncertain to Face Most-Favorite Victim as Argentina Play on Stadium 11,932 Feet Above Sea Level

The Argentine is now on his way to what could be a historic 8th Ballon d’Or, but a deserving competitor stands in his way.

Messi waits to add another historic accolade to his cabinet

Lionel Messi is nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or but his hopes may be extinguished by a  Norwegian. Erling Haaland is the second favorite to win the prestigious award. Many rate him ahead of Messi to win the tag of best soccer player in the world for this year. The Manchester City star had a terrific debut season, winning the treble with the Mancunian club.

Haaland has also broken the record for most goals scored in a single season with 36 goals in 38 games in the Premier League, while also being the top scorer in the Champions League with 12 goals. Lionel Messi, on the other hand, won the Player of the Tournament and also the Silver Boot at the World Cup. The Argentine was also the MVP in the finals of the World Cup.

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Both soccer stars have had a great season. A dilemma to choose between them is likely, as one calls to the heart, and the other calls to the brain. Who do you think should win the Ballon d’Or? Let us know in the comments below.