Messi Archives - Wontumi Online

17 Jan

Mbappé ‘jealous’ after Messi joined PSG – Neymar

MAN WontumiSportsMbappe, Messi, Neymar, PSG

Brazil superstar Neymar has claimed that his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé became “a little jealous” after Lionel Messi joined the club in August 2021. Messi made the move to PSG from Barcelona on a free transfer. Speaking in a podcast hosted by his compatriot Romário, Neymar also admitted that big egos affected performances in important matches at the French club. The 32-year-old made this statement after Romário asked whether Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this season, “is annoying.” “No, he is not. I have my issues with him, we had a little fight, but he was fundamental for…

14 Aug

‘You Stole It From Me’ – Mikel Obi On What He Told Messi After Losing U-20 World Cup

wontumionlineSportsMessi, Mikel Obi, U-20 World Cup

Former Nigerian footballer Mikel Obi has shared a conversation he had with Lionel Messi after losing the U-20 World Cup in 2005. Obi mentioned that he performed excellently throughout the tournament and was hopeful of winning an individual award despite losing the final to Argentina. After Messi was awarded the Golden Ball, Obi felt disappointed and approached him to question the accolade. The former Chelsea midfielder recounted accusing Messi of stealing the award, believing he deserved it more. “When we lost against Argentina in the U-20 World Cup, Messi won the Golden Ball and I won the Silver Ball. At…

26 Feb

Joseph Paintsil’s MLS Debut Eclipsed By Messi’s Late Goal

wontumionlineSportsJoseph Paintsil, Messi

Joseph Paintsil, a Ghanaian football winger who recently joined Los Angeles Galaxy from KRC Genk in Belgium, made his debut for the team in the opening game of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season against Inter Miami. Although the game ended in a 1-1 draw, Paintsil's performance was impressive. He played for 86 minutes, completing 19 of 21 passes, including two key passes, and creating a big chance in the match. Paintsil attempted seven shots, with two on target, four off target, and one blocked. In addition, he won nine of 15 ground duels and successfully completed three of eight…

05 Feb

Eden Hazard Says Messi Is The Best But Belgian Insists He Was Better Than Ronaldo

wontumionlineSportsChristiano Ronaldo, Messi

Former Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, who retired from professional football in October 2023, shared his thoughts on the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, asserting his superiority to Ronaldo in 'pure football' terms. In an interview with L'Equipe, Hazard acknowledged Messi as potentially the only player better than himself, praising the Argentine's unparalleled ball control. When it came to Ronaldo, Hazard conceded that while the Portuguese star may be a 'bigger' player, he believes he surpasses Ronaldo in terms of pure football. Hazard also mentioned Neymar as a player on par with him. While recognizing Ronaldo's stature, Hazard emphasized…

22 Nov

South America WC Qualifiers: “It Could Have Been A Tragedy” – Messi On Police-Fans Clash

wontumionlineSports2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Messi, south America

Argentina’s Lionel Messi believes there “could have been a tragedy” during the crowd trouble that delayed Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil. Police charged away fans after scuffles before kick-off in a section of the Maracana Stadium Messi says contained players’ friends and family. Messi and the Argentina players went over to try and calm the situation before returning to the dressing room. “It was bad because we saw how they were beating people,” said Messi, 36. “The police, as happened in the Libertadores final, were once again repressing the people with nightsticks. “We went to the locker room because…

17 Nov

Wizkid Reveals Who’s His GOAT Between Ronaldo And Messi

wontumionlineShowbizMessi, Ronaldo, Wizkid

Nigerian superstar, Wizkid has waded into the football debate on which player the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). In an interview where he participated in a speed race segment, Wizkid was asked to choose between two variants, including football. Asked who he would prefer between Ronaldo and Messi, Wizkid settled on Ronaldo. Though not a football fan, he still holds the opinion that, Ronaldo has better football prowess than his Argentine counterpart. He was also made to answer some questions on the ongoing rivalry between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, of which he chose the latter. If given the chance…

18 Oct

Lionel Messi Becomes Conmebol WC Qualifiers All-Time Leading Scorer

wontumionlineSportsHighest scorer, Messi

Lionel Messi proved to be back to his old self with two first-half goals that have Argentina up 2-0 against Peru in the Conmebol 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Inter Miami striker also passed his fellow countryman, Luis Suarez, as the all-time leading scorer in Conmebol WC qualifiers with 30 goals. While there was doubt that the Inter Miami striker would be featured in the starting lineup, Messi confirmed he is healthy and up to old tricks by scoring two amazing goals against Peru. Messi’s first goal arrived in the 32nd minute via a shot to the right-hand corner of…

18 Oct

Lionel Messi Scores Twice For Argentina Against Peru As Brazil’s Neymar Suffers Injury

wontumionlineSportsArgentina, Messi, Neymar, Peru

Lionel Messi became the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying with both goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru. Messi, 36, opened the scoring after 32 minutes and added a second with a spectacular finish moments later. He now has 31 goals in Conmebol World Cup qualifiers, surpassing Luis Suarez 29 for Uruguay. "This team is incredible. Every time they play they are very close to being the best in history," Messi said. "On a game level I think we have grown. After winning the World Cup we are confident, very loose, more united and firm. Hopefully…

21 Jul

Inter Miami Sign Jordi Alba To Join Messi And Busquets

wontumionlineSportsJordi Alba, Messi, Sergio Busquet

Jordi Alba has joined former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami. The Spain full-back, 34, has signed a contract to the end of the 2024 Major League Soccer season, with a club option for 2025. Alba left Barca this summer after 11 years with the Spanish giants. “We know that he’ll help Inter Miami achieve the club’s objectives this season and beyond,” said Inter Miami’s sporting director Chris Henderson. Alba helped Barca win six La Liga titles and the Champions League in 2015 while winning Euro 2012 and the 2023 Nations League with Spain. Argentina World…

12 Jul

Messi To Inspire Argentina At 2023 Women’s World Cup

wontumionlineSports2023 Women's world cup, Argentina, Messi

“To be honest, I cried. I cried a lot,” says Vanina Correa, who is about to captain Argentina in New Zealand at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup. The veteran goalkeeper, who was in the squad for the 2003 edition in the United States, is talking about her emotions when the national men’s team were crowned world champions last December. An estimated five million people poured on to the streets of Buenos Aires to give Lionel Messi and his team-mates a hero’s welcome home after defeating France on penalties in the final in Qatar. Seven months on from those incredible scenes in…