Messi and Ronaldo Are Not Ideal Role Models To Follow, Ex Barcelona Wonderkid Explains

• Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are not worth emulating
• Ex-Barcelona star Bojan Krkic believes the iconic duo should not be role models for aspiring footballers
• Bojan was once dubbed as the next "big thing" from Barca's famed La Masia academy

Former Barcelona prodigy Bojan Krkic has emphasized that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo do not represent the ideal role models for aspiring footballers to emulate.

Bojan, who concluded his career at the age of 32, was once heralded for his potential greatness upon his breakthrough in 2007, marking his inaugural appearance for Barca at the young age of 17 years and 19 days.

Despite the initial acclaim, the now 33-year-old ex-Spanish striker struggled to fulfill the early expectations, as cited by Bleacher Report.

He now advises young players aspiring to enter the world of professional football not to model their paths after the trajectories of Messi and Ronaldo. Instead, he advocates for a return to more conventional pathways into the sport.

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Bojan: Why Ronaldo, Messi aren't ideal role models

Bojan's assertion stands in contrast to the widespread belief that the two iconic players, often regarded as the finest footballers in the history of the sport, serve as exemplary role models for emerging soccer talents.

It is worth noting that Messi and his long-time rival have collectively amassed an impressive tally of 13 Ballon d'Or titles, with the illustrious Argentine recently securing his record-extending eighth Golden Ball award at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Despite his divergence from the conventional viewpoint, Bojan provided an alternative perspective for aspiring footballers to consider when seeking influential figures to emulate.

"Neither Messi nor Cristiano nor Rafa Nadal are ordinary cases. They cannot be an example for young people. They are extraordinary. Success is not that. It is only going to happen to them. Success can be applied to many scenarios," Bojan told Spanish newspaper AS.

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"For me, Sergio Canales is a successful athlete because he has torn his knee three times and has made it to the national team. Joselu, at 33 years old, has arrived in Madrid. These situations are successful."

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Brazil president wants footballers to emulate Messi

In contrast, Sports Brief reported that Brazilian President Lula encouraged players from his country to emulate the approach of Lionel Messi if they aspire to win the Ballon d'Or.

Disregarding the historical rivalry between Brazil and Argentina, the president commended Messi, urging Brazilian players to draw inspiration from the Inter Miami superstar's commitment to his profession and the enduring success it yields.