Rodri Reflects on Messi, Haaland, and the Evolution of Football’s Best
Rodri, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, has had the rare privilege of playing against some of football’s greatest talents, including the legendary Lionel Messi. Over the years, the Spaniard has faced the Argentine icon in various competitions—both in La Liga with Atlético Madrid and Villarreal and in the Premier League with Manchester City. For most players, the opportunity to play against Messi is the pinnacle of their careers, but for Rodri, the respect he holds for the World Cup winner goes far beyond just facing him on the field.
Rodri’s Childhood Dream: To Play with Messi and Ronaldo
Rodri has always been vocal about the two footballing giants who inspired him during his youth: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. As a young boy, he watched in awe as these two players lifted prestigious trophies year after year, creating an aura of greatness around them.
In an emotional reflection shared with Sky Sports News after winning the Ballon d’Or, Rodri confessed that his dream was never to win the prestigious individual award but to one day play alongside Messi and Ronaldo. He stated, “I was a kid watching Messi and Cristiano lifting these kinds of trophies every year. My dream was to play one day with them, never to stand here talking to you right now [after winning the Ballon d’Or].”*
This candid statement shows just how much of an impact these two superstars had on Rodri, motivating him to pursue excellence in his career. However, while he had hoped to play with Messi one day, the stars didn’t align for that to happen during Messi’s time at Barcelona.
The Near-Miss with Messi at Manchester City
In a twist of fate, it was reported that in August 2020, Messi was on the verge of leaving Barcelona and moving to Manchester City, where Rodri had just joined a year earlier. The potential move of Messi to the Etihad was one of the biggest transfer stories at the time, with City fans dreaming of a partnership between Rodri and the Argentine forward. However, Messi’s decision to stay in Barcelona meant that Rodri’s childhood dream would not come true in Manchester.
As Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, it became clear that the opportunity to play alongside the legendary forward was lost for Rodri. Still, the admiration and respect he has for Messi remain intact, as his performances on the pitch continue to elevate the standard of modern football.
Haaland vs Messi: Rodri Weighs In
Fast forward to today, and Rodri has made a name for himself as one of the most influential midfielders in Europe. As Manchester City’s linchpin, he has been instrumental in their dominance both domestically and internationally. And while Messi may remain the greatest of all time (GOAT) in Rodri’s eyes, the Spaniard acknowledges that, in the present moment, Erling Haaland’s incredible form has placed him at the forefront of football’s elite.
Rodri recently discussed the Norwegian striker’s impact, stating, “Messi, although not today. Right now, the most decisive player in terms of numbers is Haaland. He is the only one who can come close to these two beasts [Messi and Ronaldo] in terms of numbers.”* The 28-year-old was quick to highlight Haaland’s sensational consistency, with the Norwegian breaking records across multiple competitions since his arrival at Manchester City.
Haaland’s Legacy in the Making
Haaland’s meteoric rise at Manchester City has been nothing short of remarkable. Since joining in 2022, the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the world. His relentless pursuit of goals and his ability to score in virtually every match he plays have made him a fan favourite at the Etihad. His numbers have been so impressive that they’ve earned him comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo during their respective primes.
Rodri’s words of praise reflect Haaland’s status as one of football’s most exciting talents. Even more significant are the words of praise from the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi. Last year, after Messi himself won the Ballon d’Or, the Argentine predicted Haaland would eventually claim the award, cementing his belief in the Norwegian’s potential to take over as the next face of world football.
Rodri’s support for Haaland is echoed by the Manchester City striker himself, who admires the consistency Messi displayed throughout his career. Haaland has often expressed how Messi’s achievements have shaped his approach to the game, and the Norwegian striker’s own journey is only beginning to mirror the relentless success of his predecessors.
Guardiola’s Praise for Haaland
One figure who has continuously championed Haaland’s abilities is City manager Pep Guardiola. In February, Guardiola drew comparisons between Haaland and Messi, noting how Haaland’s Champions League record at the age of 24 was already better than Messi’s at the same stage of his career. *“Mentally, he’s always, you know, ‘Score one goal, go [for] another one, second goal, [now score] the third,’”* Guardiola said. “His numbers are unbelievable; not even Messi or Cristiano had these numbers at his age.”*
This comparison highlights the incredible drive and mentality that Haaland brings to the pitch, which has undoubtedly played a key role in Manchester City’s ongoing success. Haaland has continued to break records, just as Messi and Ronaldo did before him, and it’s clear that the Norwegian is positioning himself as one of the best in the world.
The Future of Football: Messi, Haaland, and Rodri
As the footballing landscape continues to evolve, Rodri finds himself in a unique position, having played against Messi and now alongside Haaland. The future of the sport seems to be in the hands of a new generation of players, with Haaland leading the charge. Still, Messi’s legacy will forever cast a shadow, inspiring countless players, including Rodri, who grew up idolizing him.
Rodri’s reflection on his childhood dreams, his admiration for Messi, and his recognition of Haaland’s current impact paints a picture of a player who is not just concerned with his achievements but also with the evolution of football’s greatest players. As Manchester City’s midfield general, Rodri is living proof that hard work, dedication, and a love for the game can turn childhood dreams into reality.
For now, Rodri’s attention remains focused on continuing to help City achieve success, both domestically and in Europe. However, as football moves forward, he will undoubtedly continue to admire Messi’s unmatched greatness while keeping an eye on Haaland’s rise to footballing immortality. The future is bright, and the legacy of these two players will inspire generations to come.
