'Father of Monster is Messi' - Pep Guardiola asserts Lionel Messi to be the father of Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester City, Gaffer Pep Guardiola expressed that Spanish football has long been deserving of a Ballon d'Or winner, a distinction that has often been overshadowed by the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

He celebrated midfielder Rodri's recent achievement in winning the prestigious award, noting its significance for Spanish football. Rodri's victory over Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. in Paris marks an important milestone, as he becomes the first Spaniard to receive the Ballon d'Or since 1960. This recognition highlights the rich talent within Spanish football and paves the way for more accolades in the future.

Rodri was pivotal in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024, marking the nation's first title since 2012. This victory represents a new chapter for Spanish football, reflecting a shift away from the era dominated by remarkable players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Guardiola noted that their exceptional talent faced tough competition from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, which often overshadowed their chances for the Ballon d'Or.

Cristiano's father, Messi: Pep

Guardiola expressed his belief that, aside from Cristiano, nobody could rival Messi's exceptional talent. He viewed Cristiano as a formidable player, crediting Messi as the source of that greatness. Guardiola commended both players for their remarkable achievements over the past 15 to 20 years. He also emphasized that Xavi and Iniesta were equally deserving of the Ballon d'Or recognition. In his view, Rodri's recent win was a reflection of what Spanish football truly deserves.

“And Messi, nobody could beat him. Just Cristiano. Cristiano was a monster, and the father of the monster is Messi. And both have done something incredible in the last 15 or 20 years. And maybe in that moment, Xavi and Iniesta deserved the Ballon d’Or as well. So I think Rodri, yesterday, got what Spanish football deserved worldwide,” Guardiola said.

Messi achieved remarkable success during his early career with Guardiola's exceptional Barcelona team, where he notably popularized the false 9 role. Since 2008, Ronaldo has been a dominant force in the Ballon d'Or race, securing the title five times. Meanwhile, Messi has impressively won it eight times, with his latest victory occurring in 2023. Both players have made significant contributions to football history, showcasing their incredible talent and skill over the years.