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| Closing 2023, Messi scored 28 goals and contributed 12 assists after 45 matches at club and national level in all competitions. “El Pulga” was named for the 2023 Golden Ball award, but mainly thanks to his victory in winning the 2022 World Cup. |
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| Meanwhile, Ronaldo, at the age of 38, has still played 57 matches in all competitions (still has 1 match yet to play with Al Nassr). He scored a total of 53 goals and had 15 assists. Ronaldo still has a chance to increase this achievement. CR7 was not nominated for the Golden Ball title, but spent an excellent 2023 with remarkable scoring ability. |
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| Messi started 2023 with great joy after completing his dream of conquering the World Gold Cup. He led Argentina to the championship and was voted “Best Player of the Tournament”. At that time, it can be considered that Leo’s career reached its peak of glory. |
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| On the contrary, Ronaldo bowed his head and left Qatar because Portugal was eliminated by Morocco in the quarterfinals. At this time, CR7’s career reached a low point. He was involved in a scandal when he publicly criticized MU, leading to poor performance and forcing him to look for a new destination. |
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| Returning to the club level, Messi and PSG won Ligue 1, but he no longer feels happy. At the end of the season, the Argentine superstar said goodbye to Parc des Princes to move to Inter Miami. He also rejected attractive offers from Saudi Arabia, accepting an income of 50 million pounds/season in MLS but receiving many other benefits. |
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| Ronaldo made a decision that caught the world’s attention. He appeared in Saudi Arabia to sign a contract with Al Nassr, earning a salary of up to 200 million pounds/season. Ronaldo created an unprecedented influence, bringing a series of stars to the Middle East to play football such as Karim Benzema, Firmino, Neymar or Malcom, N’Golo Kane. |
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| In America, Messi quickly made his mark. He scored 10 goals in 7 matches, helping Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup championship. However, the 36-year-old striker is powerless to bring the parent team to the MLS playoffs. |
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| As for the Portuguese superstar, he only played 16 matches but was able to shoot 14 times in his first season in the Saudi Arabia tournament. The former MU striker also won the Arab Club Championship title after teaming with Al Nassr to defeat Al Hilal with a score of 2-1 in the final. |
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| At this time, Messi is resting before returning to America. He aims to achieve success with Inter Miami in MLS 2024. M10 will also have the task of conquering Copa America 2024 with Argentina. |
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| Ronaldo alone is aiming for the milestone of 1,000 goals in his career. The owner of 5 Golden Balls has 872 goals for both club and national team, nearly 51 goals behind Messi (821 goals). Of course, CR7 will still attend EURO 2024. This can be considered Ronaldo’s last major tournament before retiring. |
