Did he disrespect Lionel Messi? Francesco Totti's statement sparks debate

Francesco Totti has made headlines once again after a statement that stirred up discussion in the football world. The iconic Roma legend was asked whether he ever felt he deserved to win a Ballon d'Or, and his response included a remark that did not go unnoticed: "Messi at Roma would have zero Ballon d'Ors."

The former Italian footballer, a lifelong symbol of the Roman club, did not shy away from the question and took the opportunity to highlight the value of loyalty throughout his career. Far from boosting his ego or claiming a missed accolade, Totti emphasised what he sees as his greatest achievement: spending 25 years wearing the same shirt.

"I did not care about winning Ballon d'Ors. I stayed for 25 years — that is the biggest victory, and I regret nothing," said Totti, making it clear that his priorities as a footballer lay elsewhere. However, his remark about Messi sparked controversy and brought up an unavoidable question: how much does a player's environment influence their career?

The comment struck a nerve, particularly because Lionel Messi — widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time — won most of his Ballon d'Ors at Barcelona, a club with elite sporting infrastructure and a star-studded squad. For Totti, that kind of environment played a key role in shaping the Argentine's decorated legacy.

Social media erupted with divided opinions. Some saw the comment as a lack of respect towards Messi, while others defended Totti, arguing he was simply pointing out a reality of modern football: without a strong team and media exposure, even the most gifted players can go under the radar.

This is not the first time Totti has shared bold thoughts about the business side of football. The former Roma captain has never hidden his disdain for the individual awards system and has always prioritised values like loyalty and love for the shirt over global recognition.

Controversy aside, his words once again raise a question that has been asked many times: how different would the legacies of football's biggest stars look if they had played for less powerful clubs? Once again, Totti sparked the debate — without ever raising his voice.