“Ballon d’Or for the 50th Time” – Brazilian Star in Awe of Lionel Messi Despite Questioning His Speed

Lionel Messi made an impressive impact this season in both domestic and international fixtures. The Argentine has proven his goal-scoring abilities yet again, which helped him clinch the 8th Ballon d’Or title of his career. On this note, a Brazilian star underscores the diverse layers of La Pulga’s gameplay that propelled him to reach such a pinnacle in the dusk of his career even after not being the quickest.

The soccer icon made headlines after he signed for Inter Miami. He scored 11 goals in just 14 games and played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first Leagues Cup title. A year ago, he also made a huge impact with Argentina in their 2022 World Cup triumph. Amid these late glory days at the age of 36, the Fluminense midfielder comments on the notable shift in the Argentine’s game approach.

A Brazilian rival lauds Lionel Messi on honing his tactical prowess!

Felipe Melo believes that Lionel Messi lacks the speed in his gameplay that he possessed during his Barcelona days. Nevertheless, the Brazilian veteran highlighted that the Argentine has undergone a shift in his playing style with more awareness in the attacking third. The icon’s superior tactical prowess is what still makes him a name to be feared. 

The 40-year-old veteran said, “ Messi no longer has the speed he had a few years ago, but his vision of the field has become broader. He’s still the best player in the world and that’s crazy and amazing. If he doesn’t have speed, he has many things better than what he was years ago, and that’s why he won the Ballon d’Or for the 50th time. I don’t know exactly how many. “

That was quite an honest statement by the Brazilian. It is quite staggering that Lionel Messi outshone the younger sensations in the soccer universe, like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in the Ballon d’Or race.

Did La Pulga deserve to win the Ballon d’Or?

Lionel Messi clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or, a few weeks ago. He achieved significant heights in the 2022-23 season. Lionel Messi helped Argentina to lift their third FIFA World Cup after 35 years of exile. The Argentine contributed seven goals and three assists in the World Cup. He also secured his second Ligue 1 title and the Trophee des Champions with PSG.

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Additionally, he lifted his first piece of silverware with Inter Miami, just weeks into his MLS journey. The icon’s noteworthy impact with his strong performance throughout the season proved to be enough to outweigh other soccer stars. The PSG star’s excellence in both international and domestic fixtures enabled him to amass 462 points in the Golden Ball race. Thus, establishing him as the standout player of this season.

Are you in tandem with Felipe Melo’s view of Lionel Messi? Comment below and let us know.

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