Raphinha has praised Messi as Brazil’s greatest rival while expressing his own ambition to follow in Messi’s footsteps by becoming a Ballon d’Or contender, aiming to lead Brazil to glory and establish his legacy in world football.

As Brazil and Argentina continue their legendary rivalry, a fresh wave of excitement has emerged, this time from Barcelona’s star winger, Raphinha.

The Brazilian forward has recently shared his thoughts on the fierce competition between the two nations, and in particular, how Lionel Messi remains Brazil’s biggest adversary.

Despite Messi’s move to the MLS, Raphinha’s comments underline the deep-rooted tension between the two South American giants, with Messi’s legacy in Argentina still very much a force to be reckoned with.

However, Raphinha’s reflections extend beyond national pride, hinting at his own ambitions to follow in Messi’s footsteps as a future contender for the Ballon d’Or.

Messi, regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time, has long been a symbol of Argentina’s dominance in world football, with his exploits having defined not just the modern era but the sport itself.

The Barcelona legend has been at the center of countless iconic moments, with his performances on the world stage propelling Argentina to glory in tournaments like the Copa América and the 2022 World Cup.

However, as Raphinha points out, Brazil’s rivalry with Argentina—and by extension, Messi—remains as fierce as ever, especially with the legacy that the diminutive forward has left behind.

In his comments, Raphinha reflected on Brazil’s own achievements and the immense talent within their ranks, but it is clear that Messi’s shadow still looms large.

“Argentina is always a tough team to play against, and Messi has been the face of that challenge for Brazil,” Raphinha said.

“Even now, with Messi playing in the United States, the rivalry hasn’t lost its edge. He will always be the one we look to when we think of Argentina, and the challenge is always there when we face them.”

These remarks highlight the ongoing intensity of the rivalry and how even Messi’s departure from European football hasn’t diminished the respect Brazil has for his talents.

Despite the ongoing focus on Messi, Raphinha’s ambitions are equally noteworthy. At just 26 years old, the Brazilian winger has already made significant strides in his career, having joined Barcelona in 2022 for a hefty fee.

His speed, flair, and technical ability have seen him become an integral part of the Catalan side, contributing both in terms of goals and assists.

But with Barcelona entering a new era following the departure of Lionel Messi in 2021, Raphinha sees this as a chance to step up as the club’s main man and ultimately chase the prestigious Ballon d’Or, the award given annually to the world’s best player.

Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or aspirations come at a time when Brazil is enjoying a resurgence of its own. With a blend of experienced players and emerging young stars like Raphinha himself, the Brazilian national team looks poised to continue its dominance on the international stage.

After a disappointing exit from the 2022 World Cup, where Brazil was knocked out in the quarterfinals by Croatia, Raphinha and his teammates will be looking to rebuild their momentum in the upcoming international fixtures, with a particular focus on the 2026 World Cup.

Raphinha’s determination to shine on both the club and international stage has made him one to watch in the coming years.

His ambition to vie for the Ballon d’Or is not without merit. Since joining Barcelona, Raphinha has become one of the standout performers for the team, contributing to their La Liga title victory and solidifying his place as one of the top wingers in Europe.

His dribbling, vision, and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities have made him a key figure in Xavi Hernández’s plans for the future.

Moreover, Raphinha’s performances for Brazil have also been strong, as he continues to cement his role in the national team, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

However, Raphinha knows that achieving his Ballon d’Or dreams will require more than just individual brilliance.

To truly challenge the likes of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and others who have dominated the award for over a decade, Raphinha must not only perform consistently for Barcelona but also lead Brazil to major international glory.

The 2026 World Cup, where Brazil will look to regain their dominance, will be a key event in determining whether Raphinha can elevate his game to the next level.

In many ways, Raphinha’s comments reflect the competitive nature of modern football. As Messi and Ronaldo move into the latter stages of their careers, the stage is set for a new generation of stars to rise.

Raphinha, along with players like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and others, will be among the key contenders for the Ballon d’Or in the years to come.

As these younger players take center stage, Raphinha’s ambition to win the prestigious individual accolade is a sign of his desire to leave his mark on the sport and carve out his legacy in the game.

While Messi’s influence remains undeniable, Raphinha’s perspective highlights how the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina will continue to be shaped by the players who come after the likes of Messi.

The dynamic of international football is constantly evolving, and Raphinha’s hunger for success is indicative of the drive that will fuel Brazil’s quest for further titles.

Whether or not he will achieve the ultimate individual honor in the form of the Ballon d’Or remains to be seen, but with his skill, determination, and mindset, he is certainly one of the rising stars to keep an eye on.

As the world eagerly watches the next chapter in the Messi-Raphinha rivalry unfold, one thing is clear: the Brazilian winger is ready to step up, challenge the status quo, and take his place among the football elite.

With Messi’s legacy still fresh in the minds of millions, Raphinha’s journey toward greatness could very well be the next story that captures the world’s imagination.