Messi Snubs Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has long been a towering figure in football alongside his great rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, in a recent interview with Simplemente Fútbol, Messi sparked headlines by snubbing Ronaldo when naming the five current players kids imitate most. His list—Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal—omitted both himself and Ronaldo, signaling a shift toward the next generation of football stars. For fans and analysts searching for “Messi snubs Ronaldo naming players kids imitate”, this article dives into his choices, the implications of Ronaldo’s exclusion, and what it reveals about football’s evolving landscape.
Messi Snubs Ronaldo Naming Players Kids Imitate: Insights and Impact
During the interview, Messi reflected on the players captivating today’s youth. “Kids watch and imitate everything,” he said. “They know everyone and follow everyone, the players they talk about are Mbappe, Vini Junior, Haaland, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal.” This lineup blends established icons with rising talents, offering a glimpse into the stars shaping football’s future.
The Messi snubs Ronaldo naming players kids imitate moment stands out for several reasons:
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Focus on Youth: By highlighting younger players like Mbappe, Haaland, and Yamal, Messi acknowledges the sport’s generational shift.
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Ronaldo’s Absence: Despite Ronaldo’s enduring excellence, his exclusion has fueled speculation about his influence on today’s kids.
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Self-Effacement: Messi’s omission of himself underscores his humility, directing attention to others rather than his own legacy.
This narrative provides a fascinating lens into how Messi views the game’s next wave, making the Messi snubs Ronaldo naming players kids imitate story a key topic for football enthusiasts.
Breaking Down Messi’s Top Five
Let’s explore the players Messi named and why they resonate with kids:
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Kylian Mbappe: The French superstar’s blistering pace, dazzling skills, and 2018 World Cup triumph have made him a global sensation. His flair at PSG and with France inspires young players worldwide.
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Vinicius Junior: Known for his explosive dribbling and clutch performances, the Real Madrid winger has become a fan favorite, especially after his Champions League heroics.
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Erling Haaland: The Manchester City striker’s towering presence and relentless goal-scoring—breaking records in the Premier League—make him a modern icon for aspiring forwards.
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Robert Lewandowski: The Polish veteran’s consistency and clinical finishing at Barcelona offer a masterclass in longevity and professionalism, appealing to kids dreaming of sustained success.
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Lamine Yamal: At just 17, the Barcelona prodigy’s technical brilliance and Euro 2024 success with Spain mark him as a generational talent, already influencing the youngest fans.
The inclusion of Yamal, in particular, ties into the Messi snubs Ronaldo naming players kids imitate discussion, highlighting the rapid rise of new stars over established legends.
Why Did Messi Leave Out Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, continues to shine, leading the Saudi Pro League with 21 goals in 2025. So why did Messi exclude him? Several factors might explain this:
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Age Factor: Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr may have shifted his spotlight away from Europe’s top leagues, where younger fans focus their attention.
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New Era Emphasis: Messi’s list prioritizes players in their prime or on the rise, like Haaland and Mbappe, over veterans like Ronaldo.
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Rivalry Subtext: Though unintentional, the snub adds intrigue to their decades-long rivalry, even if Messi’s tone remained respectful.
The Messi snubs Ronaldo naming players kids imitate angle doesn’t diminish Ronaldo’s legacy but reflects a natural evolution in football’s appeal to younger audiences.
Messi’s High Praise for Lamine Yamal
Messi reserved his warmest words for Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona wunderkind. “It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal is doing and has already achieved,” Messi said. “He’s already a European champion with Spain. He’s just 17, in the middle of a growth process, and will keep on growing and contributing, just as I did. He has incredible quality and is already one of the best players in the world.”
Yamal’s ascent mirrors Messi’s own early career, from La Masia to global stardom. His role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and Barcelona’s recent La Liga resurgence—highlighted by a 4-3 comeback against Celta Vigo—cements his status as a player kids emulate. This connection amplifies the Messi snubs Ronaldo naming players kids imitate narrative, showcasing Messi’s eye for emerging talent.
Lewandowski’s Take: Yamal’s Unbelievable Talent
Robert Lewandowski, another of Messi’s picks, has also been struck by Yamal’s gifts. Recalling their first encounter, Lewandowski said, “He came to train with us when he was 15 years old, I saw him for the first time. I’ve seen a lot of young, talented people, ‘Oh, he’s got something!’, but I was never sure that there would be a great career behind it. Until I saw Lamine. And I said ‘wow’. I asked him his age, he told me fifteen, and I replied that it was impossible.”
This story reinforces Yamal’s exceptional promise, aligning with Messi’s vision of the players kids imitate today.
Football’s Shifting Landscape
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football for nearly two decades, claiming 13 of the last 15 Ballon d’Or awards. Yet, their era is gradually giving way to a new guard. The players Messi named—Mbappe, Haaland, Vinicius, Lewandowski, and Yamal—represent a fusion of athleticism, skill, and digital-age charisma that resonates with Gen Z fans. The Messi snubs Ronaldo naming players kids imitate moment encapsulates this transition, as the sport’s idols evolve with its audience.
How Fans Reacted
The interview ignited social media. “Messi’s list is spot on—kids are obsessed with Mbappe and Haaland,” one X user posted. Another countered, “Ronaldo’s still the GOAT for millions of kids, snub or not.” Yamal’s mention also drew awe: “17 and on Messi’s list? Insane potential.” The Messi snubs Ronaldo naming players kids imitate debate has split fans, echoing the passion of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s omission of Cristiano Ronaldo when naming the five players kids imitate most has stirred a global conversation about influence and legacy in football. By spotlighting Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Haaland, Lewandowski, and Yamal, Messi not only snubbed Ronaldo but also painted a picture of the sport’s future. The Messi snubs Ronaldo naming players kids imitate story reflects the inevitable rise of new stars, even as Ronaldo’s brilliance endures. As football evolves, Messi’s choices invite us to celebrate both the past and the promise of tomorrow. What do you think of his list? Share below!
Messi won the World Cup
John Cena is 17th time World ChampionMy childhood is complete pic.twitter.com/J485KYy86Z
— FUEGO 🥷 (@kota_fuego_na) April 21, 2025
FAQs: Messi Snubs Ronaldo Naming Players Kids Imitate
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Why didn’t Messi include Ronaldo?
Messi emphasized younger stars like Mbappe and Haaland, possibly reflecting their current appeal to kids over veterans like Ronaldo. -
Which players did Messi name?
He listed Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal. -
How did fans react to Ronaldo’s omission?
Some praised Messi’s focus on youth, while others insisted Ronaldo’s influence on kids remains strong. -
What makes Lamine Yamal special to Messi?
Yamal’s Euro 2024 win and standout play at 17 impressed Messi, who sees echoes of his own journey. -
Is Ronaldo still a role model for kids?
Absolutely—his goal-scoring feats at Al-Nassr keep him relevant, despite Messi’s snub. -
Does this change the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry?
It adds a fresh twist, highlighting their legacies while shifting focus to football’s next chapter.
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