Barça star Messi: Ronaldo was my hero

By Christopher Atkins 2012-11-06 09:30:10
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Barcelona star Lionel Messi has revealed that his idol growing up was actually a Brazilian, in the form of legendary striker Ronaldo.

Messi, 25, grew-up in the era of Ronaldo's dominance of world football, with the Brazilian a three-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the year award - an achievement since matched only by Messi himself and Zinedine Zidane.

"Ronaldo was my hero," Messi told FourFourTwo magazine. "I loved watching players like Zidane, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo, but Ronaldo was the best striker I’ve ever seen.

"He was so fast he could score from nothing, and could shoot the ball better than anyone I’ve ever seen."

Whilst it was once Ronaldo who graced the Camp Nou, it is now Messi who sets the great arena alight with his moments of individual brilliance.

The Argentine will compete for his fourth World Player of the Year award this December, but will face stiff competition, principally from Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

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May 21, 2013
22:30If Santos want, Neymar will leave, says his agent
21:00Conca set to stay in China until end of contract
20:30Corinthians' Pato believes Seleção will benefit from Confederations Cup
20:05Lionel Messi excited at possibility of Neymar moving to Barcelona
19:53Real Madrid target Chelsea star David Luiz to replace Pepe
19:40Iniesta: It would be a dream to play against Brazil in the Maracana
19:30Parreira: Neymar needs to leave Santos
19:07Leandro Damião a doubt for Inter’s opening game against Vitória
18:00England's Andy Carroll ruled out of Brazil clash with injury
16:00Seedorf plans to see out his contract with Botafogo
14:00Grêmio rule out sacking manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo
13:30Felipe Melo: Inter remind me of my Juventus
13:00Leonardo: Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic will not leave PSG
11:15Fernandinho tweets desire to join Man City
10:30Corinthians play down reports of Paulinho's departure
10:00Liverpool boss Rodgers hails Coutinho impact
09:40Roberto Carlos set to takeover as coach of Sivasspor
00:15Seedorf named best player of the 2013 Carioca league
May 20, 2013
23:20Dedé eager for Cruzeiro debut
23:05Marcelo Moreno focused ahead of Flamengo debut
21:05Corinthians striker Emerson Sheik sends title warning to rivals
20:40Lazio president Claudio Lotito on Hernanes: He is not on the market
20:40Santos striker André set to join Vasco on loan
20:25Luxemburgo could be sacked as Grêmio coach on Monday
20:10Grêmio’s Zé Roberto calls for fans support during Brasileirão
18:30Lucas hails Liverpool teammate Carragher
18:00Lucas pledges to improve next season for Liverpool
17:30England call up Man City's Rodwell for Brazil clash
17:12Juan Jesus: Inter will come back stronger next season
17:00David Luiz: Chelsea need to win trophies every year
16:45Internacional boss Dunga admits Robinho interest
16:32Neymar: Paulista defeat was not my last game for Santos
16:01Scolari reveals talks with Barca president about Neymar
16:00Porto goalkeeper Hélton rules out return to Vasco
15:00PSG director Leonardo: Ancelotti has asked to leave for Real Madrid
14:00Santos manager Muricy Ramalho admits Corinthians deserved Paulistão title
08:30Ronaldinho delighted with first title at Atlético Mineiro
May 19, 2013
23:45Corinthians president rules out selling Leverkusen target Romarinho
23:00Paulinho says he will continue at Corinthians
22:15Porto striker Liédson disappointed at lack of games, despite league title
22:00Campeonato Mineiro: Atlético crowned Mineiro champions
19:30Thiago Silva admits 'sadness' at Ancelotti departure
19:15Wolfsburg's Diego reveals Atlético Madrid offer
18:45Coutinho stunner clinches Reds victory
14:00Grêmio dismiss Eduardo Vargas exit rumors
11:01Brazilian president opens Brasilia World Cup stadium
11:00Brandão keeps Saint-Étienne's Champions League hopes alive
10:41Ex-Liverpool boss Evans hails Coutinho and Sturridge partnership
10:30Diego scores as Wolfsburg are held to draw
10:20Juan Jesus: Inter will be better next season
May 21, 2013
20:30Corinthians' Pato believes Seleção will benefit from Confederations Cup
19:40Iniesta: It would be a dream to play against Brazil in the Maracana
18:00England's Andy Carroll ruled out of Brazil clash with injury
May 20, 2013
17:30England call up Man City's Rodwell for Brazil clash
16:01Scolari reveals talks with Barca president about Neymar
May 19, 2013
11:01Brazilian president opens Brasilia World Cup stadium
May 17, 2013
16:00FIFA president Joseph Blatter given title of 'citizen of São Paulo'
11:30England boss Hodgson: No time for "experimentation"
11:00Hodgson: Andy Carroll could provide "different dimension" against Brazil
10:30England boss Roy Hodgson defends McCarthy call-up ahead of Seleção clash
May 16, 2013
18:37England and France name squads to face Brazil
18:07FIFA assured over 2014 World Cup opening venue
16:00Ronaldinho still hopeful of World Cup call up
14:00Pelé opposes privatization of the Maracanã stadium
12:00Bayern's Luiz Gustavo backs under-fire Seleção boss Scolari
May 15, 2013
20:15Atlético Mineiro star Bernard says Ronaldinho congratulated him on Brazil call-up
12:00Ramires' wife hits out at CBF over husband's omission
10:30Seleção boss Scolari backs Neymar to rediscover form
May 14, 2013
22:52Opinion: What direction are the Seleção heading in?
18:43São Paulo forward Jadson celebrates his call up for the Seleção
18:27Grêmio midfielder Fernando delighted with Confederations Cup selection
17:53Brazil coach Scolari: We have a starting line-up
16:30Scolari announces 23-man Brazil squad for Confederations Cup
10:45Scolari set to announce Seleção squad for Confederations cup
May 13, 2013
22:13FIFA appoint Confederations Cup officials
16:00Parreira: Six players already guaranteed in 2014 World Cup squad
May 12, 2013
11:46FIFA 're-evaluating' use of caxirola instruments at Confederations Cup
May 11, 2013
10:40Police ban 'Brazilian vuvuzelas' from stadium
10:17Brazil captain Thiago Silva urges fans to have patience with Neymar
09:37Brazil judge suspends 'privatisation' of Maracanã stadium
May 10, 2013
10:30FIFA concerned over Maracanã progress
May 08, 2013
11:00FIFA concerned at progress in São Paulo's Arena de Itaquera
08:30Brazil youth national team player Michael fails drug test for cocaine
May 07, 2013
08:30Brazil expects to receive 600,000 tourists during World Cup
00:05Brazil FA president rules out sacking Seleção manager Scolari
May 06, 2013
21:00Buffon: I would like to meet Brazil in Confederations Cup final
May 03, 2013
22:20Brazil squad announced for Toulon Tournament
April 30, 2013
16:00Mano Menezes: Brazil have stagnated under Scolari
14:00Parreira believes Brazil are on the right path
10:00Former FIFA president João Havelange resigns in light of bribery scandal
April 28, 2013
21:30Brazil U17s draw 2-2 with Paraguay in South American Championship
16:00Scolari says he already knows Brazil's Confederations Cup squad
11:30Brazil legend Rivelino laments "unstylish" Seleção
11:00Seleção legend Romario slams "imbecile" Pelé
April 27, 2013
16:00Former Brazil manager Dunga urges fans to support the national team
00:15Brazil announce friendly with Portugal in September
April 25, 2013
16:45Scolari walks out of press conference after resignation question
16:00Brazil 2-2 Chile - Scolari admits the Seleção need to improve
14:00Brazil 2-2 Chile - Neymar not bothered by fans booing
11:30Brazil 2-2 Chile: Seleção leave Mineirão to jeers
May 21, 2013
19:53Real Madrid target Chelsea star David Luiz to replace Pepe
19:30Parreira: Neymar needs to leave Santos
19:07Leandro Damião a doubt for Inter’s opening game against Vitória
10:30Corinthians play down reports of Paulinho's departure
May 20, 2013
23:05Marcelo Moreno focused ahead of Flamengo debut
21:05Corinthians striker Emerson Sheik sends title warning to rivals
20:40Lazio president Claudio Lotito on Hernanes: He is not on the market
20:25Luxemburgo could be sacked as Grêmio coach on Monday
20:10Grêmio’s Zé Roberto calls for fans support during Brasileirão
16:45Internacional boss Dunga admits Robinho interest
15:00PSG director Leonardo: Ancelotti has asked to leave for Real Madrid
14:00Santos manager Muricy Ramalho admits Corinthians deserved Paulistão title
May 19, 2013
22:00Campeonato Mineiro: Atlético crowned Mineiro champions
10:00Agent denies Roma interest in Atlético Mineiro's Marcos Rocha
09:30Neymar will see out Santos contract to 2014 says father
May 18, 2013
21:00Fluminense win Rio de Janeiro Under 20 Championship
May 17, 2013
10:00Copa Libertadores: Grêmio crashes out to Santa Fe
May 16, 2013
20:47Marseille make Internacional striker Leandro Damião their top target - Report
20:30Corinthians midfielder Ralf refuses to blame ref for Libertadores elimination
19:55Grêmio striker Hernan Barcos says there is no room for mistakes against Santa Fe
19:35PSG star Lucas Moura pays tribute to David Beckham
13:00Ex-Barça boss Carles Rexach: Neymar would be a great alternative to Messi
12:30PSG's Lucas Moura: Neymar will know when time is right to leave Brazil
11:00Neymar talks will wait until after Paulista final says father
08:30Flamengo set to announce new right-back
May 15, 2013
22:50São Paulo’s Jadson caps great week with selection for Paulista team of the season
22:15Corinthians striker Emerson ahead of Boca tie: I’m feeling something
22:10Internacional targeting Milan forward Robinho - report
21:27Barcelona midfielder Xavi praises Neymar: He’s a great player
21:12Grêmio defender Werley puts scoring touch down to extra training
20:42Agent of Neymar denies the Santos star will leave this summer
May 14, 2013
11:30Santos demands €50m for Barcelona target Neymar - reports
11:00Neymar to Bayern a done deal claims ex-Santos official
May 13, 2013
22:00Corinthians defender Paulo André praises teammate Paulinho
20:17Independiente Santa Fe aim to restrict Grêmio midfielders Elano and Ze Roberto
11:30Flamengo dismiss Ferdinand and César reports
09:00Corinthians 2-1 Santos: Advantage Timão after first leg of Paulistão final
May 12, 2013
23:00Alex shines as Coritiba beat Atlético PR to win state league title
22:00Campeonato Mineiro: Atlético in pole position after Cruzeiro rout
19:45Campeonato Mineiro: Atlético happy with home advantage
19:30Campeonato Mineiro: Cruzeiro face Atlético in first leg of final
19:00Barcelona could sign Neymar for just €25m - report
12:13Alexandre Pato pleased with the start to his Corinthians career
11:25AC Milan captain Ambrosini dismisses idea of Seedorf replacing coach Allegri
11:05Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand linked with Flamengo – report
May 11, 2013
14:00Former Manchester City striker Jô feels more mature at Atlético Mineiro
13:45Carlinhos believes Fluminense will improve with each coming game
13:23Botafogo forward Nicolás Lodeiro is enjoying his football in Brazil
13:01Is Botafogo’s title winning team set to be broken up? – report
12:33Flamengo to offer Mattheus a new deal if Juventus move falls through
May 21, 2013
22:30If Santos want, Neymar will leave, says his agent
21:00Conca set to stay in China until end of contract
20:05Lionel Messi excited at possibility of Neymar moving to Barcelona
16:00Seedorf plans to see out his contract with Botafogo
14:00Grêmio rule out sacking manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo
13:30Felipe Melo: Inter remind me of my Juventus
13:00Leonardo: Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic will not leave PSG
11:15Fernandinho tweets desire to join Man City
10:00Liverpool boss Rodgers hails Coutinho impact
09:40Roberto Carlos set to takeover as coach of Sivasspor
00:15Seedorf named best player of the 2013 Carioca league
May 20, 2013
23:20Dedé eager for Cruzeiro debut
20:40Santos striker André set to join Vasco on loan
18:30Lucas hails Liverpool teammate Carragher
18:00Lucas pledges to improve next season for Liverpool
17:12Juan Jesus: Inter will come back stronger next season
17:00David Luiz: Chelsea need to win trophies every year
16:32Neymar: Paulista defeat was not my last game for Santos
16:00Porto goalkeeper Hélton rules out return to Vasco
08:30Ronaldinho delighted with first title at Atlético Mineiro
May 19, 2013
23:45Corinthians president rules out selling Leverkusen target Romarinho
23:00Paulinho says he will continue at Corinthians
22:15Porto striker Liédson disappointed at lack of games, despite league title
19:30Thiago Silva admits 'sadness' at Ancelotti departure
19:15Wolfsburg's Diego reveals Atlético Madrid offer
18:45Coutinho stunner clinches Reds victory
14:00Grêmio dismiss Eduardo Vargas exit rumors
11:00Brandão keeps Saint-Étienne's Champions League hopes alive
10:41Ex-Liverpool boss Evans hails Coutinho and Sturridge partnership
10:30Diego scores as Wolfsburg are held to draw
10:20Juan Jesus: Inter will be better next season
08:30Flamengo goalkeeper Felipe says his national team wear red and black
May 18, 2013
23:53Santos vice president silent on Neymar to Barca fee
23:36São Paulo's Lucas Evangelista happy with promotion to senior squad
23:27Lazio insist Hernanes is not for sale
22:00Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova coy on Neymar negotiations
20:20Leverkusen make €12m offer for Corinthians forward Romarinho - report
20:08Dortmund defender Felipe Santana set to seal Schalke move
16:00Corinthians midfielder Paulinho linked to Shakhtar - report
14:00Flamengo set to sign Argentine right-back Adrián Martínez
12:26Diego Costa dedicates title win to Atlético Madrid fans
11:10Malaga's Júlio Baptista considering Brazil return
08:30No agreement with Barcelona for Neymar, says Santos vice-president
00:15Bebeto's son Mattheus close to renewing contract with Flamengo
May 17, 2013
23:00Diego Costa and Miranda score as Atlético beat Real Madrid to win Spanish Cup title
20:30Lazio midfielder Hernanes linked to Milan - report
18:53Santos confirm Neymar only wants to join Barcelona
18:43Bayern Munich's Dante confident of beating former club Gladbach
18:30Júlio César coy on future after QPR exit is confirmed
14:00Grêmio president admits manager Luxemburgo might be sacked

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Related Information

21/05Parreira: Neymar needs to leave Santos
20/05Neymar: Paulista defeat was not my last game for Santos
20/05Scolari reveals talks with Barca president about Neymar
18/05Santos vice president silent on Neymar to Barca fee
18/05Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova coy on Neymar negotiations
17/05Santos confirm Neymar only wants to join Barcelona
16/05Pedro: Neymar would fit in well at Barcelona
16/05Juninho: Barcelona and Neymar need one another
16/05Ex-Barça boss Carles Rexach: Neymar would be a great alternative to Messi
14/05Ronaldinho: I didn't leave Barcelona because of Guardiola

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