Forget the record-breaking goals and ambassador deals, the real story this week is Lionel Messi and his surprising choice of wheels. Forget the fleet of Audis and that rumored Bugatti – Messi was seen cruising the coast yesterday, not in a hypercar, but in a cherry red Ferrari F430 Spider.

Now, don't get me wrong, the F430 is a classic. But for a guy who could practically buy his own island, it feels...retro. Is this a Messi in decline, seeking solace in the simpler things? Or a subtle message to Barcelona after their not-so-subtle transfer shove?

Sources say the F430 is a special edition, boasting lightning-fast acceleration and a price tag that would make your head spin. So, maybe it's not a crisis, but a connoisseur's choice. Still, the image of Messi with the wind in his hair, behind the wheel of a car most of us would only dream of affording, is a far cry from the private jet-setting we're used to.

Is this the start of a new trend for Messi? A return to his roots? Or just a sunny day spent enjoying a gorgeous car? Only time, and maybe that mischievous grin on Messi's face, will tell.

Cristiano Ronaldo – the name synonymous with goals, grit, and an undeniable love for luxury. So, it's no surprise his garage boasts a collection of million-dollar rides. But there's one car that reigns supreme: the Bugatti Chiron, a sleek silver beast with a price tag that could buy a small island.

Now, some might call it excessive. After all, where, besides a private racetrack (which Ronaldo undoubtedly owns), can you unleash the Chiron's 261-mph potential? But Ronaldo isn't known for subtlety. The Chiron is an extension of his personality – powerful, audacious, and designed to break records.

Is it just a need for speed, though? Perhaps. But there are whispers of a deeper connection. Remember that cryptic Instagram post with Ronaldo and the Chiron, captioned "The only beast I trust to keep up?" Maybe it's a symbol of his relentless drive, his constant push for perfection.

Whatever the reason, the bond between Ronaldo and his Bugatti is undeniable. They're often spotted together – cruising the streets of Turin, parked outside his mansion. It's a match made in automotive heaven, and a not-so-subtle reminder that CR7 lives life in the fast lane, on and off the field.

Neymar's life is anything but ordinary, so it figures his car wouldn't be either. Forget run-of-the-mill Lamborghinis or flashy Ferraris. Neymar's got his eyes on a different kind of speed – the kind that hugs the curves and devours the Autobahn. That's where his Audi RS7 Sportback comes in.

This isn't your average grocery-getter. This sportback is a blacked-out beast, a station wagon on steroids with a twin-turbocharged heart. It's practical – perfect for Neymar to toss in his soccer bag and head to practice – but with a hidden wild side. Rumors swirl about secret Autobahn races, the RS7 a blur against the German countryside.

Maybe it's that element of surprise. Maybe it's the marriage of function and untamed power that reflects Neymar's own game – dazzling footwork with a ruthless finishing touch. Whatever the reason, the Audi RS7 has become Neymar's signature ride. It's not the flashiest car on the market, but it speaks volumes about the player behind the wheel – a guy who likes to break the mold, on and off the road.

Kylian Mbappe: young, lightning-fast, and taking the world by storm. It seems only fitting his car of choice reflects that same youthful exuberance – the Ferrari 812 Superfast. Forget the maturity of Astons or the seriousness of Bentleys. Mbappe cruises the streets of Paris in a cherry red blur, the 812's roaring V12 engine announcing his arrival long before he pulls up.

Some call it a flashy choice for a guy still etching his name in football history. But the 812 Superfast isn't just about show. This Ferrari is a barely tamed beast, capable of hitting zero to sixty in under three seconds. It's a perfect match for Mbappe's playing style – all about raw speed and leaving defenders in the dust.

Is it a bit much? Maybe. But isn't that the beauty of youth? The 812 Superfast isn't just a car; it's a statement. It tells the world that Mbappe isn't afraid to take risks, to push boundaries, both on the field and on the open road. And hey, if you're young enough to outrun almost anyone, why not do it in style?

Mo Salah: the "Egyptian King" on the pitch, but off it, he's a man of surprising taste. Forget the brash Bentleys or the ostentatious Rolls Royces favored by some footballers. Salah's secret love affair is with a car that's all about pure, unadulterated power – the Lamborghini Aventador.

This isn't your average supermarket runabout. The Aventador is a raging bull on four wheels, a lightning-fast Italian stallion with a price tag that could buy a small village back in Egypt. But for Salah, it's more than just a status symbol. There's a quiet reverence in the way he handles the Aventador, a respect for its untamed spirit.

Maybe it's the car's aggressive angles that mirror his own sharp finishing on the field. Maybe it's the Aventador's throaty roar that echoes the roar of the Anfield crowd after a Salah goal.

Next time you see Salah gliding through the streets of Liverpool, don't expect a flashy show. Look for a sleek, low-lying silhouette, a subtle hint of the fire that burns beneath the hood – just like the one burning within Mohamed Salah himself.

Robert Lewandowski – the relentless goal machine, a man of precision and power. So, it comes as a surprise that his car of choice whispers luxury rather than screams speed. Lewandowski isn't about flashy Ferraris or ostentatious Bugattis. His love affair lies with the Maserati GranTurismo – a timeless Italian masterpiece.

The GranTurismo is a head-turner, for sure. Its elegant curves and sophisticated design ooze Italian flair. But it's not all show. Under the hood purrs a powerful engine, capable of effortless acceleration when needed. It's a perfect match for Lewandowski's playing style – a blend of elegance and brute force, always in perfect control.

There's a certain mystique to Lewandowski's choice. Unlike some footballers who wear their wealth on four wheels, Lewandowski seems to value the GranTurismo's heritage and understated power. Maybe it reflects his personality – a quiet dominance that lets his actions do the talking, both on and off the field.

Kevin De Bruyne: the midfield maestro, weaving magic on the pitch with his pinpoint passes. But unlike his audacious footwork, De Bruyne's taste in cars leans towards the practical. Forget the flamboyant Lamborghinis or the impractical Bentleys. De Bruyne is a man of the people, and his car reflects that – the Mercedes G-Class.

The G-Wagon is a tank on four wheels, a symbol of ruggedness and reliability. It's not the flashiest choice, but it gets the job done, no matter the weather or terrain. And that seems to be exactly what De Bruyne appreciates. There's a quiet confidence in his choice, a sense that he doesn't need a flashy car to make a statement.

Maybe it's the G-Class's boxy shape that mirrors his composed presence on the field. Maybe it's the car's go-anywhere attitude that reflects De Bruyne's ability to break through any defense. Whatever the reason, the G-Wagon has become De Bruyne's signature ride. It's a statement, but a subtle one – a reminder that De Bruyne is all about substance, not show, both on and off the pitch.

Virgil van Dijk: the colossus at the back, a rock in defense for both club and country. So, it figures his car of choice would share that same imposing presence – the Range Rover Sport SVR. Forget the sleek lines of a sports car or the cushy comfort of a luxury sedan. Van Dijk rolls up in a black behemoth, a machine that commands respect on the road just like he commands the penalty area.

The SVR is a Range Rover on steroids – a powerful SUV with a supercharged engine that could outrun most sports cars. But it's not all brute force. The SVR handles surprisingly well, able to take corners with surprising agility. Kind of like Van Dijk himself – big, strong, but with surprising footwork for a man of his size.

There's a sense of security in Van Dijk's car choice, a feeling that nothing – or nobody – is getting past him. Maybe it's the SVR's imposing stance that mirrors his own intimidating presence on the field. Maybe it's the car's ability to handle any terrain, just like Van Dijk can handle any attacker. Whatever the reason, the Range Rover SVR has become Van Dijk's signature ride. It's a statement piece, but a functional one – a reminder that Van Dijk is a force to be reckoned with, on and off the road.

Sergio Ramos: the fiery defender, a leader on the pitch with a warrior's spirit. So it's no surprise his car of choice echoes that same intensity – the Audi RS6. Forget the understated luxury of Bentleys or the flamboyant flair of Italian exotics. Ramos rides in a wolf in sheep's clothing – a sleek station wagon packing a serious punch under the hood.

The RS6 is a sleeper, a seemingly ordinary car with a monstrous twin-turbocharged engine. It can launch from 0 to 60 in a blink, perfect for a guy known for his aggressive bursts on the field. There's a duality to the car that seems to resonate with Ramos – powerful yet practical, a family man with a competitive edge.

Maybe it's the RS6's understated aggression that mirrors Ramos' own fierce leadership. Maybe it's the car's ability to haul his family around in comfort, just like Ramos carries his team on his back. Whatever the reason, the Audi RS6 has become Ramos' signature ride.

Luka Modric, the midfield maestro, weaves magic on the pitch with his elegant control. But unlike his dazzling footwork, Modric's taste in cars leans towards the understated. Forget the ostentatious Bugattis or the roaring Lamborghinis favored by some footballers. Modric cruises in an Audi Q7, a spacious and practical SUV.

Sure, it's not the flashiest choice for a guy with his kind of salary. But the Q7 reflects Modric's personality – reliable, comfortable, and capable of handling anything life throws his way. There's a quiet confidence in his pick, a sense that he doesn't need a flashy car to turn heads.

Maybe it's the Q7's solid build that mirrors Modric's unyielding work ethic on the field. Maybe it's the car's ability to ferry his family around in comfort, just like Modric orchestrates the midfield with effortless precision. Whatever the reason, the Q7 has become Modric's signature ride. It's a testament to his down-to-earth nature, a reminder that true greatness doesn't require a spotlight, on or off the pitch.