"Is that all?"

Rini asked.

"Yes."

Messi nodded and said.

"So, how do you feel about the team?"

Rini pressed on.

Messi said, "The teammates are all very friendly and incredibly talented. Mr. Guardiola is a coach I’m familiar with, which greatly helps me integrate into the team."

Rini: ...

If this continues, he’s afraid he won’t be able to deliver.

Rini tried asking, "What about Kevin? He’s the team captain. Is he easy to get along with? You two seem familiar, how did you meet, and did he invite you to play for Milan?"

Messi said, somewhat embarrassed, "I also forgot how I met Kevin, maybe it was after a match. I’ve been to his house many times, and he’s very easy to get along with. In the team, I saw a different side of Kevin; he’s a very leadership-driven player, an excellent captain, which you can’t see as an opponent."

"Was it Kevin who invited you to play for Milan? When did you confirm the transfer, was it Rosell or Laporta who sold you?"

Rini pursued.

This is the news everyone in European football is most interested in.

Antonella nudged Messi.

Messi also recalled Huang Kaiwen’s advice.

He cautiously said, "The transfer was in the summer, I forgot the exact timing as it took a long time to finalize. When I returned to Barcelona from vacation, the lawyer and agent told me everything was settled."

"Isn’t your agent your father?"

Rini asked.

If Messi is transferring, it should be handled by his father, so why talk about an agent?

Messi nodded and said, "Yes, my father is my agent, but my transfer was very complex. Since he doesn’t have enough professional knowledge, he handed everything over to an agent, so I’m not too clear on the specifics."

"Why do you want to play for Milan?"

Rini continued asking.

He really wanted a big scoop.

Messi replied evasively, "The reasons are complex, and I can’t disclose them."

Antonella immediately pulled Messi up and said to Rini, "Thank you for the coffee, we have other things to attend to."

Watching them walk away, Rini felt a bit of regret.

He should have waited for Antonella to try on clothes before interviewing Messi.

In this match, the Milan players were in average form but still easily took down Atalanta 2:0 away.

Soon after, Huang Kaiwen and Guardiola, along with others, flew to Zurich, Switzerland.

January 9th.

Award ceremony started after 7 p.m.

Huang Kaiwen saw Pele and Neymar again at the event.

As the awards began, Sir Ferguson received the FIFA President’s Award.

Pele handed the trophy to Ferguson, who stood on stage, pressing one hand on the trophy and said, "The greatness of Manchester United lies in our constant pursuit of victory, but the reality is such that we can’t always win. However, this belief has always existed, and it’s also the philosophy of my career, I will always chase victory!"

The audience erupted into warm applause.

Gullit and Murray, the two hosts, began introducing the three shortlisted candidates for the Ballon d’Or.

Ronaldo, Messi, Huang Kaiwen.

No surprise there.

However, up next was the Women’s Football Coach of the Year.

The Ballon d’Or would be announced last.

The Women’s Football Coach of the Year was Noriaki Sasaki, the Women’s World Player of the Year was Japan’s Homare Sawa, and even the Fair Play Award went to the Japan Football Association.

At this moment, Huang Kaiwen remembered that the Japanese women’s team won the Women’s World Cup.

Maybe they’ll release a photo album to celebrate.

Sports have concluded, let arts flourish and enrich the spirit of the Japanese people.

This year’s Kevin & Puskas Award went to Neymar.

Despite less than a month passing, Neymar’s mohawk had already turned into short hair.

His goals were indeed spectacular.

After Guardiola won the Coach of the Year award.

FIFA announced the World XI of the Year:

Goalkeeper: Casillas,

Defenders: Ramos, Vidic, Nesta, Alves,

Midfielders: Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Pirlo,

Forwards: Huang Kaiwen, Ronaldo, Messi.

The list included few Milan players, leaving many fans watching at home puzzled.

But it was time for the main event.

The big screen once again showed the images of the three Ballon d’Or nominees.

A slightly slimmer Ronaldo came on stage, saying he’s learning how to become a coach from Maradona, and shared about his recent life before opening the envelope.

After opening it, he deliberately looked at Messi next to Kaka, then revealed the card saying: "Kevin!"

Huang Kaiwen shook his head with a smile, got up, and hugged Kaka and others before walking onto the stage.

Ronaldo quickly handed the trophy to Huang Kaiwen and said, "Back in Real Madrid, I never thought I’d one day present you with an award."

"Maybe one day I’ll be presenting one to you!"

Huang Kaiwen replied with a smile.

After a brief exchange, Huang Kaiwen placed the trophy on the podium, adjusted the microphone, but didn’t speak right away.

A few seconds later, he started, "In the past seven years, I’ve almost won all the individual honors. Someone asked if I ever feel tired, and I ask myself this every year. The answer is no! Winning everything feels amazing, but I also think it’s time to give others a chance. I seriously suggest this, if I win first place again next year, can we let the second place give a speech?"