As Benzema and Ronaldo Face Off in Saudi Pro League, Messi Prepares for MLS Challenge
In a recent revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football community, Karim Benzema, the seasoned striker now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, has disclosed his dream XI, excluding both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi from the lineup. The surprising omission, reported by GOAL, adds an intriguing twist to Benzema’s football narrative, given his extensive history of playing alongside Ronaldo and facing off against Messi during his illustrious tenure at Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema
Despite clinching the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2022, an accolade that underscored his brilliance, Benzema has made a noteworthy decision to leave out the two iconic figures who have collectively amassed an astounding 13 Golden Balls. At 35 years old, the French striker has embarked on a new football journey in the Middle East, following the footsteps of his former Real Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benzema’s dream XI not only showcases his football acumen but also reflects a surprising act of sportsmanship as he includes several Barcelona legends, setting aside past rivalries. The lineup unveiled in an interview with Al-Ittihad’s social media channels, features a stellar cast, including Manuel Neuer; Dani Alves, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Claude Makelele, Paul Pogba, Zinedine Zidane; Ronaldinho, Ronaldo (R9), and Karim Benzema himself.
Having joined Real Madrid in 2009, the same summer as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and CR7 forged a formidable partnership, securing four Champions League titles together and prevailing over Lionel Messi’s Barcelona on numerous occasions. Despite these shared triumphs, the surprising exclusion of Messi and Ronaldo from Benzema’s dream squad offers a glimpse into the diverse perspectives that players hold when assembling their ideal teams.
As Benzema and Ronaldo continue their professional journeys in the Saudi Pro League, Lionel Messi is gearing up for the upcoming MLS season, marking distinct phases in the careers of these football titans.
