The favoritism surrounding Messi and the media didn't start today. 👀 In 2005, both Messi and Ronaldo were nominated for the Golden Boy award. Messi eventually won it after playing just 21 games, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists. Meanwhile, Ronaldo played 64 games, scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists, while producing standout performances such as his destruction of Henry's Invincibles Arsenal. The contrast gets even more interesting when you remember Messi was still playing youth football at the U-20 World Cup, while Ronaldo was already starring at senior international level, scoring in the Euro semi-final and helping Portugal reach the final. Yet Messi won the award. The Messi-favouring narrative didn't start yesterday.