Tag Archives: Copa America

Ronaldo Vs Messi

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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Recently Cristiano Ronaldo (CR 7) commented that the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Best Player awards were ‘losing their credibility.’ You guessed right! The recipient of both these honours was none other than Lionel Messi.

Let’s get it straight. The Ballon d’Or has been presented by the French Magazine, ‘France Football’ since 1956. 30 names of top performing footballers ‘in the last season’ are shortlisted by a jury of seasoned football correspondents. Then, senior, accredited football journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations select their top 5 players in order of ranking with 6 points being given to the top player. For Ballon d’Or 2023, 66 out of 92 participative journalists voted for Messi as their No 1 player. They represented major football powers like Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Belgium and Brazil and the world’s 2 most populous nations- India and China. Erling Haaland, the hero for Man City got 22 nominations as the best footballer in the world. Messi vs Haaland was 462 points to 357, a significant margin.

The FIFA Best Men’s Player 2023 trophy was a much closer affair with both Messi and Haaland tied at 48 points. An equal weightage of 25% is given to the deciding panels of Coaches, National team captains, Media and accredited fans. The National team captains’ votes swung it in Messi’s favour as per accepted practice and procedure.

The intense rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi over the last 16 years has taken the stock of European and World football through the roof. Not since the days of Pele and Maradona has the sport captured such global interest and fervour. To concisely wrap up the silverware won by these 2 Icons- Ballon d’ Ors, Messi 8- Ronaldo 5; Best FIFA Men’s Player, Messi 3- Ronaldo 2; European Golden Shoe for the top goal-scorer in all European Leagues in a season, Messi 6- Ronaldo 4; World Cup Golden Ball for the Best Player in the World Cup tournaments, Messi 2- Ronaldo 0. The Argentine maestro won the Golden Ball at the 2022 Qatar WC and earlier at the 2014 WC in Germany. Lionel Messi had carried an average Argentina squad to the finals which they lost in a 1-0 heart-break defeat to the hosts Germany.

As regards laurels at the highest levels, CR7 captained the Portugal side to a 1-0 win over France in the European Championships of 2016. In 2021, Messi inspired his team-mates to success in the Copa America final after beating arch-rivals Brazil 1-0 at Maracana.  His first international title since the Olympic gold medal at Beijing 2008.

Ronaldo is a goal-scoring phenomenon-128 goals for his country in 205 matches since his debut in 2003. At elite club levels with Man U, Real Madrid and Juventus – a staggering 696 goals in 918 games. A little-known fact is that more than 150 of his League goals have come through headers. The average vertical jump of NBA basketball players is 30 inches. CR 7 highest recorded goal-header jump was 41 inches in a Real Madrid vs Man U match in the 2012-13 season. Only ‘HIS AIRNESS’ Michael Jordan surpasses him with jumps of 48 inches.

A rare specimen of physical fitness, his 6ft 2’ frame and tremendous pace terrorise the defence of opposing teams. Add an almost unstoppable free kick to the arsenal. A unique feature of this champion player is the exhibition of the double scissors and drop moves which allow him to quickly change directions. In 2018, the Turin medical staff did medical tests on the super athlete and found that his condition at 34 was the same as a 20-year-old – with an incredible 50% muscle and 7% body fat. Ronaldo played for 4 seasons with the Italian club Juventus.

His handsome physique, sensational exploits on and off the field and his fitness regimen make him the most followed sportsperson on Earth. 618 million followers on Instagram and 100 million followers apiece on Facebook and X. To maintain peak fitness and endurance on the football field he engages in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), running, sprinting drills and cycling. The dedication is exemplified by 5 visits to the gym per week with workouts lasting 3-4 hours. HIIT is a complete physical regimen that combines aerobics, strength (resistance) exercises and targeted weight to increase muscle. However, it’s imperative to remove the misconception of CR 7’s speed. In the Sky Sport’s serial ‘Tested to the Limit’ in 2011 he was pitted against Angel Rodriguez, Spain’s fastest sprinter. Suffice it to say that the footballer would have run the 100 metres in 11.4 seconds.

French legend Zinedine Zidane, who managed Real Madrid, had this to say, “When you play with Ronaldo in your team you are already 1-0 up.” Over to Sir Alex Ferguson ( Man U), “We have had some great players at this club in my 20 years but he’s up with the best.” Portuguese great Eusebio’s observation hits home, “Ronaldo has great ball control and his technique is excellent. He believes that he can do anything with the ball and that confidence makes him very special indeed.”

Now to the controversies. The explosive TV interview with Piers Morgan led to his abrupt exit from Man U. He openly castigated Eric ten Hag, Manager, for benching him in some games and even blasted the owners of the hallowed club- the Glazer family. At the Qatar WC, Fernando Santos the Portugal Manager, substituted him in the match against South Korea, benched him in the match against Switzerland which Portugal won 6-1 and brought him on only in the 51st minute for the Q/F against Morocco. Possibly the lowest moment was when he claimed the 54th-minute goal against Uruguay in a group-stage match. The goal was credited to his team-mate Bruno Fernand and the decision was confirmed by Adidas Ball Technology. Unfortunately, CR7 continued to claim it over the next couple of days with support from his friend Piers Morgan.

The 5ft 7’ Lionel Messi with his ordinary looks and shy demeanour is a global football Icon only because of the magic he weaves on the football field. At the Qatar WC, he scored 7 goals and had 3 assists in 7 matches. But hold your breath! At age 36, he was one of only 3 Argentinian players to play every single moment of their WC winning campaign-690 minutes in total after 2 games went extra-time. Messi made 347 passes, 5 tackles and attempted 32 shots at goal.

The Argentine talisman has 106 goals in 178 caps for his country and 61 recorded assists. He spent almost his entire professional career with FC Barcelona (2004-21) where he won a record 34 trophies. His jaw-dropping club stats of 672 goals in 778 appearances with 269 Assists kicked in. A distraught Messi had to leave the Catalan club as they did not have enough of a wage budget left to offer him a new contract. Due entirely to financial profligacy and incompetent management. In his 2 seasons with PSG thereafter he scored 32 goals in 75 matches with a solid 35 Assists. Assists are what adds to Messi’s creative aura and mystique. Assist refers to that final, definitive pass to a team-mate or setting up a team-mate to take the goal shot. The stamp of the ultimate team player in the ultimate team sport. Listen to France and PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, “I still miss not playing with him. For an attacker like me who likes to devour spaces, with him you can go with the certainty that you will receive the ball. It was a luxury that only he could give you. Playing with Messi was special.”

Messi, to millions of his fans across the world, transcends awards and stats. He is the modern maestro of The Beautiful Game. The biggest box-office draw even today. His artistry and ball skills have often been called ‘Insane’ and ‘Alien’.  His vision, balance, sudden turns and acceleration have stupefied both defenders and spectators. His saucy dribbles, sublime free kicks and the art of the chip finish have brought gasps, smiles and jaw-drops even from seasoned commentators and yesteryear greats.

He is adored by his national team-mates. They passionately worked hard and played hard to hold aloft the Holy Grail of football for their country, their team and especially for their captain. Angel de Maria who impressed and scored a goal in the final with a Messi assist has said, “I always dream of playing with him, having him by my side every day. Every time we go with the national team it seems very short.” Martinez, who won the Golden Glove award as goalkeeper of the tournament, is even more heartfelt, “I want to give him life. I want to die for him.”

Arsene Wenger, the famous Arsenal Manager, has observed, “Messi is a footballer from a PlayStation game. Things that are impossible to do he makes them possible.” Dutch great Frank Rijkaard says “Messi’s goals are a piece of art.” Former England star Wayne Rooney shouts out, “Messi is a joke, the best joke that my eyes have ever seen.” Radomir Antic, who managed several La Liga teams in Spain, stated “Messi  is the Mozart of football.” Let’s leave the final word to ex-Barca and now Man- City’s formidable Manager, Pep Guardiola-“I tried making Lionel Messi the best player in the world. He ended up making me the best manager in the world.” Argentina’s World Cup-winning manager, Luiz Scolari emotionally echoes similar sentiments.

Ronaldo playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and Messi turning out for Inter-Miami in US Major League Soccer are now at the twilight of their careers. The standards are much lower there than at the elite European clubs and leagues. At best, we can hope for ‘The Last Dance’ at the next European Championships and the Copa America.

CR 7 is undoubtedly in the pantheon of all-time football greats. What about MESSI? I wished that he had been honoured with the Super Ballon d’Or 2023. In recognition of being the best football player of his generation.  A title only and last conferred on the Real Madrid legend Alfred Di Stefano in 1989.

Magical Messi & King Kohli

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The Argentine- an iconic, mesmerizing footballer. The Indian is a charismatic cricket superstar. Both have immeasurably enriched, enhanced, and influenced their sport. The Internet and social media are overflowing with information about their goals and assists or runs and centuries and trophies and awards. However, it’s more intriguing to explore their seminal impact on football and cricket and beyond. More than an 8th Ballon d’Or trophy, what excites me is the real possibility of Messi holding up the Super Ballon d’Or later this year. A unique recognition for the player of a generation. The only previous awardee was Alfred Di Stefano in 1989. Virat Kohli has been proclaimed the ICC Player of the Decade (2011-20) and won a hat-trick of Wisden Cricketer of the Year awards from 2016-18.

Enough has been said about the sublime, magical skills of Leo Messi with football. Over the last 15 years, he has weaved an extraordinary dimension around The Beautiful Game. But what the world witnessed before and after the classic WC final in Qatar was staggering- a global, social phenomenon of heartfelt support for Messi to lift the WC trophy with the Argentina team. This overwhelming emotion has been captured by the legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo 9, “This guy’s football throws away any rivalry to the corner. I saw lots of Brazilians and people from all over the world rooting for Messi in this electrifying final. A farewell worthy of a genius-who far beyond a World Cup star- captured an era.” Former President Obama and basketball megastar LeBron James felicitated him as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Roger Federer served in his elegant manner, “Time and Time again, Leo Messi, you have redefined greatness.” Messi kissing the World Cup is the most liked post on social media. And get this- the outpouring of support by Bangladesh supporters led to the resumption of normal diplomatic ties with Argentina re-opening its embassy in Dhaka-closed since 1978.

A slice of the humongous praise Lionel Messi has earned over the years. The Dutch great Frank Rijkaard says that “his goals are a piece of art” and the late Radomir Antic’ referred to him as ‘the Mozart of football.’ Arsene Wenger (Arsenal football manager) has said that “Messi is the footballer from a PlayStation game, things that are impossible to do, he makes them possible.” Jose Mourinho’s (Head Coach, Roma) one-word take on Messi = ‘ Magic.’

The burden of expectations on the Argentinan forward has been brutal. To his everlasting credit, he has taken it all in his stride with grace, dignity, and an indomitable spirit. For years many fellow Argentines had not considered him as one of their own.  He was part of FC Barcelona in faraway Spain. Maradona and the famous 1986 WC victory were the albatross around his neck. It did not matter that he had won the Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with the Argentina team; it did not matter that he had single-handedly taken an average national side to the 2014 WC final against Germany which they lost 1-0; it did not matter that he had won the Golden Ball award (player of the tournament); it also did not matter that he inspired his team to 2 consecutive Copa America finals as they lost. After the disastrous 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia at the Qatar WC, the GOAT was mercilessly trolled and compared to the camel. There were even graphic references to what happened to the GOAT. Millions of Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) fans jumped in with relish.

Manager Scaloni and many in the Argentina team have openly stated that they had come forward to rally behind their captain for ‘The Last Dance’ win for Messi at Doha. The Golden Gloves winner Emiliano Martinez put across his loyalty simply, “I want to give him life. I want to die for him.” Angel di Maria, who also played a stellar role at the Qatar tournament, harked back to the Copa America finals in 2021. He had earlier missed the WC final in 2014 & the 2 Copa America finals thereafter due to injuries. Messi told him that this was his final and his moment to shine. The personal touch.  The attacking midfielder rose to the occasion by scoring the only goal of the match.  

Argentina’s most famous person is also known for his humility and sportsmanship. His astounding record of assists shows him to be the ultimate team player. He has never taken a dive to get a free kick or penalty awarded. Hence, the testy exchanges with the Netherlands coach and the criticism of the referee came as a surprise to many who had followed his career. In a recent interview, he expressed his regrets for the controversy. Grapevine has it that his wife scolded him for his messy behavior. Just goes to show that a footballer often described as an alien from another planet is also human. The Leo Messi Foundation has a bigger goal. It has done exceptional philanthropic work in health, education, and sports. His Euro 1 million donation for clinics and healthcare facilities during the pandemic in Argentina also happened without much fanfare.

Tennis star Andy Murray recently asked, “if the 5ft 7 Messi is the best athlete ever.” At age 35, he played every single moment of the Argentina campaign, every grueling minute of the 7 matches including the 139 mins vs Netherlands and the 141 minutes against France.

Virat Kohli has been described as a Phenom, a Run Machine, a batting virtuoso, and the proud face of Indian cricket. His athleticism and in-the-face aggression have resonated hugely with countless millions of Indian cricket fans. Sunil Gavaskar, the batting maestro, makes his point with a straight drive, “To become a good player you need talent. To become a truly great player you need an attitude like Virat.” Australia’s champion Ricky Ponting is “not sure if I have ever seen a white ball cricketer better than Kohli.”  It’s also pertinent to recall that he was a part of the 2008 U19 WC winning team and also a part of MS Dhoni’s 2011 ODI WC champion squad.

Kohli’s true legacy as a captain was his focus on raising the fitness levels of the players. The Yo-Yo test has been the benchmark of fitness in the Indian cricket team since 2017. This is essentially an aerobic test that tests the endurance of a player at increasing speeds until exhaustion. The cut-off was raised from 16.1 to 16.5 to the current 17.1. Only Hardik Pandya and Manish Pandey have scored a little higher than Kohli. He has also been the inspiration for a number of current and emerging players with his special perspective and passion for the game. The other laudable initiative was that even the lower-order batsmen would spend quality time batting in the nets. The tail should value their wickets and wag vigorously whenever the team needed. Hence, we have the current scenario where Ashwin, Shami, and Axar Patel are taking the fight to the Australian bowlers and winning matches for India.

There are many similarities between Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both are cast in the same mold.  CR7 is considered the ultimate physical athlete and Kohli’s diet and exercise regime have become part of Indian cricket lore. Both are intense and aggressive on the field. Ronaldo’s fallout with the Man U coach and subsequent exit takes us back to Kohli getting Kumble removed as coach and replaced by Shastri.  The Portuguese footballer’s controversial interview with Piers Morgan taking down Man U and coach Erik ten Hag; the recent sting operation which again revealed the perceived ego clash between Kohli and BCCI chief Ganguly and what was said and not said during the former’s pre-South Africa tour conference. Also in both cases, celebrity Dom has far transcended football or cricket. CR7 has the highest Instagram following for any sportsperson at 537 million. Lionel Messi has around 400 million followers. Kohli is by far the most followed cricket player in the world with around 130 million glued to him on Instagram. Roger Federer and footballer Sergio Ramos are among them. A juicy titbit- Kohli has converted Kishore Kumar’s bungalow ‘Gauri Kunj’ in Juhu into a swanky restaurant as part of his ‘One 8 Commune’ chain. VK is a passionate fan of KK but is also following in the food steps of Kapil Dev, Ganguly, and Zaheer Khan. On the social service front, his VK Foundation (2013) has done commendable work in supporting the underprivileged and vulnerable sections of society through education and sports workshops. Anushka Sharma’s mission to take care of stray dogs in Mumbai has now expanded to providing food, shelter, and Vet facilities for the strays.

Kohli’s post to CR7 after Portugal’s exit from the WC, “No title can explain the impact you’ve had on people and what I and so many around the world feel when we watch you play. That’s a gift from God.” But titles do matter for logging in to the all-time Hall of Fame, be it in an individual or team sport; whether it’s Usain Bolt or Djokovic, Chicago Bulls, or the Men in Blue. The glaring difference in the incredible success stories of Messi and Kohli is that the former was under relentless pressure to deliver the WC and Copa America titles for Argentina.  Kohli has had a relatively easy pass even during his slump in form with the BCCI, the media, and his vast fan following all being supportive. Even when he got out for a low score the cameras stayed with him and his doing a small dance jig in the dressing room went viral.

Now we are looking at Kohli 2.0. A somewhat mellowed person, past the burn-out phase and regaining his prime form.  But the game of cricket has changed dramatically over the last few years. Brendon McCullum and the English team have brought Bazball into Test cricket- attacking, entertaining, high-scoring games rather than playing defensive cricket to preserve wickets. So the England side topped 500 runs in a day in Pakistan in just under 75 overs. The 400-run barrier has been regularly breached in the 50-over format. 250 plus in the T20 game does not raise any eyebrows anymore. Indian cricket now looks at its talisman Virat Kohli to be in the zone in key matches- such as smashing a blistering 166 runs in 110 balls as he did against Sri Lanka and 82 runs in 53 balls in that sensational knock at the MCG against Pakistan in the T20 WC.

The Indian team will likely play Australia in the World Test Championship final at the Oval in June 2023. Followed by the ODI World Cup on home soil in Oct- Nov 2023. On the 18th Dec 2022, Lionel Messi had the world at his feet. Will the year 2023 see the grand coronation of King Kohli?!

Messi Magic & the Fairy Tale Ending

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22nd November 2022. The first World Cup Group C match in Qatar.   Score-line Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina. A stunning upset. A huge disappointment and shock for the millions of Messi fans across the globe rooting for his first World Cup victory with Argentina in his fifth appearance. The dream seemed to have ended before it even began. Social media trolls brutally took over and the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) was ridiculed by comparisons with the Camel; unflattering memes became viral with graphic references to what happened to the GOAT.

Not winning the World Cup with Argentina has long been the albatross around Messi’s neck. Many pundits have derisively called him out with, ‘What has he done for the national team?’ For the record, he won the Olympics gold medal with the Argentine squad in 2008. In 2005, he won the U-20 WC and picked up both the Golden Boot (top scorer) and Golden Ball (player of the tournament). He carried an average team on his shoulders to the finals of the 2014 WC where Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany. Pictures of a forlorn Messi holding the Golden Ball trophy, looking at the one which mattered the most, made headlines around the sporting world. In 2015 and 2016 he again powered an ordinary national side to the finals of the Copa America. The defeat by Chile in 2016 devastated him to such an extent that he retired from international football.  Thankfully, he changed his mind a few months later. Even in his home country, he was not embraced wholeheartedly as he had moved to Barcelona, Spain as a young teenager. The huge shadow of the flamboyant legend Maradona, who won the WC in 1986 for Argentina, seemed to follow him everywhere on the international stage.

In 2021, Messi finally broke the jinx by captaining Argentina to the Copa America trophy and once again being adjudged as the Golden ball winner. In the same year, he won a record 7th Ballon d’Or trophy putting him in the stratosphere of one of the greatest footballers of all time. He graced the Barcelona jersey from 2004-21 scoring 672 goals with 266 assists in 778 games and winning 34 trophies. The intensely loyal Messi would probably have played his last game at Nou Camp. However, shockingly the talisman player’s contract was not renewed by the Catalan club due to a financial crises, aggravated by the pandemic. Very few sportsmen have achieved such glorious success over such a long career at the high levels of competitive sport. But after winning his 5th Ballon d’Or our sporting icon said, “I would prefer the World cup over five Ballon d’Or trophies.” Vamos Argentina!!

Over these years Messi’s magic has been such that it has added another X factor to the beautiful game. Exponents like Pele, Garrincha, Jiarzinho, Zico, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho from Brazil instantly come to mind. Osvaldo Ardiles and Diego Maradona also spiced up the South American flavour and servings. Messi’s artistry and ball skills have often been called ‘Insane’, ‘Other worldly’ and ‘Alien’. His vision, balance, sudden turns and acceleration have stupefied both defenders and spectators. His saucy dribbles, sublime free kicks and the art of the chip finish have brought gasps and smiles and sheer jaw drops. Take his assist to Alvarez for the goal against Croatia in the just concluded WC. A great solo run, dribbles and feints and even stopping once before making that lethal pass backward from outside the goal post for the goal strike. The Croatian defender Jorko Gvandiol is recognised as one of the best in the business.  But the Argentine maestro simply outclassed and outmanoeuvred him. The Brazilian great Ronaldo has observed that the 35-year-old Messi has changed his game with his age, “The 30 scoring actions and passes are now reduced to 10 but he remains the decisive player. His sporadic entries into the box but he is the killer. He plays on the minds of the opponents all the time.” The Brazilian champion pays Messi the ultimate compliment that, “He is happy that Messi has won the WC with the caveat that otherwise the 2 Latin American nations are bitter rivals on the football field.”

Lionel Messi, the idol, is adored by his Argentine teammates. They passionately worked and played to hold aloft the Holy Grail of football for their country, their team and especially for their captain. Angel Di Maria who impressed and scored in the final with a Messi assist had this to say, “I always dreamed of playing with him, having him by my side every day. Every time we go with Argentina national team it seems very short.” Martinez, who won the Golden Gloves award as the best goalkeeper, is even more heartfelt,  “I want to give him life. I want to die for him.” Please check out the viral video when after the penalty shootout against the Netherlands, the entire team runs towards the goal scorer but Messi crosses the field to hug Martinez who is lying on the ground. The goalie’s saves had won them the match.  Messi the match-winner has scored 98 goals in 172 games for Argentina. Equally critical has been his role as a team player and creator with 58 assists.  Assist refers to that final definitive pass to a team-mate or setting up a team-mate to take the goal shot. It is worth pointing out here that Brazil, France and England were favoured to win the WC. But coach Scaloni built up a team around Messi with the likes of Martinez, Di Maria, Hernandez and upcoming star Alvarez who scored 4 goals. Lionel Messi was blessed to have a team which grew from strength to strength with every outing.

What about the Messi Mania? It’s a global, social phenomenon rarely witnessed. The world went bonkers. Not only did the sale of the No 10 Messi T-shirts break all records but there are social media posts of guys getting married in these T-shirts. Prayers were conducted at places of worship across the world for the folk hero to achieve his dream. Kerala, Goa and Kolkata saw huge cut-outs of the star with fresh garlands put on every day. What is there about the Argentine football legend which has touched millions of hearts across the planet?

His humble upbringing was in Rosario, Argentina. His growth hormone disorder (GHD) and the medical treatment his modest family could not afford. Then Destiny intervenes. FC Barcelona (thanks to their scouts) sign up a 13-year-old Messi and agree to pay for his medical treatment. Probably, the best deal in the history of football. Then, the youth team at the Barca Academy and the rest is history.  Still, it astounds many many football fans as to how a 5 ft & 7 inches Messi has been outrunning and outsmarting much taller and better-built opponents for so many years. There is also the undeniable fact that very few human beings have carried the burden of expectations this man has and has ultimately triumphed on every count. During all his struggles, he has shown that a monster competitor lurks within him co-existing with his sublime skills and sporting nature. Despite the intense pressure, he has conducted himself with grace, poise and a sportsmanlike attitude. The private Messi has kept a low profile about the outstanding work of the Leo Messi Foundation in the areas of health, education and sports. Many pundits are now hailing him as the greatest athlete on the planet and not just the GOAT footballer. How the hell can a 35-year-old play all the matches full-time in the high-pressure WC and still rise to the occasion whenever it mattered?  Lionel Messi has transcended his sport.

Let’s listen in to another great sportsman cast in the same mould. Roger Federer, “Fairy Tale stuff, Argentina. Time and again you Leo Messi have redefined greatness. It’s a privilege to watch you. Congrats, Leo. Special and historic.”

So it is that most of the footballing world and fraternity rejoiced when Messi and Argentina lifted the WC trophy. It was both relief and ecstasy after the greatest final game ever played.  A fairy tale ending for Messi and his team. A small nugget of interesting trivia. Both Messi and Mbappe, the French star, play for PSG (Paris Saint Germain) which is owned by the Emir of Qatar through the Qatar Sports Foundation. Some things are meant to happen. As Messi’s ( Golden Ball winner) incredible career draws to a close, the 23-year-old Mbappe (Golden Boot winner) will be looking forward to more goals and glory.