Lionel Messi has expressed his opinions about who should win football’s most prestigious award, with the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 28th just 12 days away.
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After finally adding a World Cup to his impressive collection in 2022, the Argentine superstar earned a record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or last year. However, he will not be defending his title this year.
Many supporters believe that the formal end of an era has arrived as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have not been nominated for the 30-man shortlist for the first time since 2003.
Although some people are saddened by the end of this historic chapter, it also creates an opportunity for new players to go to the top of the football hierarchy.
The front-runners this year are Rodri, the Premier League and Euro 2024 winner, and Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, who won the Champions League, reports Give Me Sport.
However, Messi has selected Lautaro Martinez, his prolific striking partner for Argentina, to win the prized award and become the next greatest player in the world.
Messi thinks the moment has come for him to receive a Ballon d’Or. He stated:
“He was the top scorer in the Copa America and had an incredible season and he is the most deserving recipient of the Ballon d’Or.
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