Ronald Araujo has also spoken now, suggesting that as long as Lionel Andres Messi is playing football, he will be the best player in the world.
Lionel Messi as Messiah
Unsurprisingly, a good number of players in the current Barcelona lineup have grown up idolizing and hoping to play with Lionel Messi.
While a few, such as Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Frenkie de Jong, Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo, and Pedri, got the opportunity to play with him on the pitch, the majority of the team did not since he went on a free transfer in 2021.
Now that the historic eighth Ballon d’Or is almost here, the Argentine will be presented on October 30. He already has the support of a number of well-known figures in the football world, including Pep Guardiola and Thierry Henry.
Ronald Araujo Backs
“I’m hoping Lionel Andres Messi takes home the Ballon d’Or. Since he is and always will be the greatest player in the world, I believe he deserves it. I’ve said that all along. Regarding his old teammate, the Uruguayan added, “He is amazing” (TNT Brazil, h/t BarcaCentre).
In 2019, Araujo made his senior Barcelona squad debut against Sevilla. He entered the game off the bench in the 73rd minute and was sent off for a last-man foul 14 minutes later. Since then, he has solidified his position as a team regular and key member.
Ballon d’Or Battle
On the Ballon d’Or podium this year are Messi’s former colleague Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
The Frenchman was one of the top players at the World Cup, scoring a hat-trick in the championship game, and he put in an amazing performance throughout the season.
Regarding the Norwegian, Haaland scored over 50 goals and helped Man City win the triple crown.
Lionel Andres Messi is the frontrunner to win the award, though, given his incredible World Cup-winning run, which featured five man of the match honors in seven games and a brace in the final.
