Chapter 408: Chapter 116: Rising Influence! Pressure on Messi and Ronaldo! A Fiery Christmas! Second Vice Captain + No. 7!
At that time, he could barely manage 10+ or close to 20+ goals per season, nowhere near today’s 50+ goals plus 20+ assists.
In other words, if this trend continues, in two or three more years, could Ma’el become a player who scores 60+ or even 70+ goals per season?
Iniesta gasped, saw Messi looking his way, and couldn’t help asking, "Do you feel any pressure?"
Messi adjusted his hair on the sides of his forehead, looked at Iniesta, and after a long while, finally said, "I’ll be in even better form. We’re in a better team and can achieve more."
He avoided the question, he must feel the pressure..... Iniesta understood this, nodded, turned his head away, and said no more.
This might be the first time since childhood that Messi faced such a setback; he had overcome illness, loneliness, rejection, and downturns.
But he had never encountered a player more talented than him. Can he continue to win this time?
...
At the same time, Real Madrid was crushing the Second Division B team Ponferradina 7-0 at home, advancing to the King’s Cup’s last 16.
In this match, Ronaldo came on at the last moment to warm up his feet and find his form for the next game and scored a goal as he wished.
In the post-match press conference, then-head coach Mourinho attended with Ronaldo. After answering a few routine questions, they were led into the ’Ma’el’ topic by the journalists.
"Mr. Mourinho, does Real Madrid need a player like Ma’el? Does Mr. Florentino have thoughts of acquiring him?" a journalist asked Mourinho.
With his long hair now graying, Mourinho had cut it short. A few smiles appeared on his face as he said, "I must first say we already have Ronaldo, but after that....."
He turned to glance at Ronaldo; they both laughed, seemingly knowing what he was about to say.
"After that." Mourinho waved his hands toward the journalists, firmly saying, "I have to say, there’s no team that doesn’t want Ma’el. Everyone loves him, and the contributions he brings to the team are astonishing.
"Indeed, Mr. Florentino and I have had discussions regarding Ma’el, but I can’t tell you the specifics."
"What about Ronaldo?" a journalist turned the question back to Ronaldo, asking, "What kind of player do you think he is? Do you wish to be teammates with him?"
Ronaldo showed a slightly playful smile, raised an eyebrow, and said, "I enjoy teaming with top players, and he undoubtedly has become one.
"The terms ’18 years old’ and ’top player’ seem a bit abrupt, but he has achieved it, which means he is extraordinary, definitely, but after that....."
He turned to look at Mourinho again; they both looked at each other and laughed, "I must tell Mr. Mourinho that my contributions to Real Madrid are also surprising. This year, I hope to score 60 goals.
"Is 70 goals even possible? You know, as more and more excellent players emerge, the best ones also feel pressure and will aim for higher goals."
"Haha.....!"
Mourinho laughed heartily. Ronaldo’s answer praised Ma’el while also showcasing his own edge, perfectly balanced.
"Ma’el’s goal is to win all awards, all honors..... we speculate this includes breaking many records."
A journalist looked at Mourinho and Ronaldo, posing this question to both of them, "How do you view his bold words? Will Real Madrid feel pressure facing them in the Champions League?"
"No."
Mourinho first addressed the second question and continued, "It’s good for players to have goals; players without goals cannot compete for the best.
"But the word ’all’ is a bit too much, it’s very difficult..... I just hope Ma’el, driven by this grand goal, continues to inspire himself to improve."
Ronaldo then took over, smiling lightly, "My view is different from Mr. Mourinho’s; you know why."
"Because you also want everything?"
"Yes."
"Alright, let’s end the conference here. Wish you all a Merry Christmas, and best of luck to Ma’el far away in London for the Boxing Day match, haha...."
...
December 24, Christmas Eve.
The whole of London sank into a peaceful yet joyful atmosphere, Christmas trees were set up everywhere on the streets, and many Christmas-related activities had already started.
On this night, children wrote down their wishes, while families laughingly went shopping to buy gifts from the wish lists for them, along with essential holiday treats like candies.
Ma’el spent the evening with his uncle and aunt’s family, strolling the streets, and when they were tired, they dined and chatted in a luxurious restaurant.
"Everything is going smoothly."
Uncle Clément beamed with happiness; this year was almost the happiest year of his life, "My two sons are taking their entrance exams next year, aiming for schools in London.
"Eva is still young, we’re planning to transfer her here... with your name outside, we rarely encountered any trouble."
Before Ma’el could respond, Aunt Betty, brimming with joy, couldn’t help saying, "Ma’el, you should have seen the expression on the neighbors’ and teachers’ faces when they got your autograph. It’s a passion we’ve never seen before.
"Many people invited our family over for dinner; we declined, fearing they would make requests that might trouble you.
"The happiness of this year is beyond words. Thanks to you, we have also started to receive respect.
