Lionel Messi stands as the prime contender, according to bookmakers, for clinching an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or title. Despite this anticipation, the superstar from Inter Miami expresses his nonchalance towards the outcome.
In Miami, Lionel Messi took center stage on Thursday, engaging with the media for the first time since his induction into the club. He addressed the question regarding the coveted accolade. With a noteworthy emphasis, he stated, “I’ve repeated it often – while the Ballon d’Or holds significance in terms of personal recognition, I’ve never gave it as much importance. I’ve always valued team achievements far above individual ones.”
2010 and 2012 Ballon d’Or ceremony – When Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or#ballondor pic.twitter.com/aa3kKxtf3s
— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@francefootball) August 16, 2023
Messi’s sentiments underscored the paramount achievement of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Reflecting on this milestone, he remarked, “I was lucky to have achieved everything in my career and after the World Cup, I’m thinking about that award much less, my biggest award was that and I’m disguising my moment. If it arrives, good, and if not, nothing happens. I was lucky to achieve all my goals in my career and now I have new goals with this club.”
The upcoming Ballon d’Or finds Lionel Messi in a favorable position. This status derives from his exceptional World Cup performances, securing him the esteemed Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player with seven Goals & three assists.
Furthermore, his instrumental role in PSG’s triumph in yet another domestic championship is undeniable. Remarkably, he tallied 16 goals and contributed 16 assists across 32 matches in Ligue 1.
Lionel Messi, Kevin de Bryune, and Erling Haaland expected to fight it out for Ballon d’Or
In the race for the prestigious accolade, Lionel Messi, the Argentine sensation, emerges as the favored contender. However, formidable competition arises from Manchester City’s duo, Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
See you in september! 🌕👀
Men’s Ballon d’Or: 3⃣0⃣ nominees
Women’s Ballon d’Or: 2⃣0⃣ nominees
Yachine Trophy: 🔟 nominees
Kopa Trophy: 🔟 nominees#ballondor pic.twitter.com/HriFktA6Nv— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@francefootball) June 9, 2023
Last season, Manchester City showcased their prowess on the European stage by clinching the illustrious treble, securing triumphs in the English Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. Key figures driving their offense were Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
Manchester City Duo
Kevin De Bruyne’s impactful presence resonated across 49 matches in various competitions, contributing to an impressive tally of 10 goals and 31 assists. Regrettably, his influence didn’t translate into the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Belgium’s campaign was halted in the group stages, with KDB registering no goal contributions.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland etched his mark in the Manchester City narrative with an astonishing record of 52 goals and nine assists across 53 matches, shattering the Premier League’s all-time scoring record in a single season with a remarkable 36 goals. However, the World Cup in Qatar remained beyond his grasp as Norway fell short of qualification.
In World Cup years, the celebrated tournament’s performances serve as a pivotal determinant in the accolade’s outcome. A prime example lies in Luka Modrić, who secured the 2018 Ballon d’Or through his exceptional showings for Real Madrid and his remarkable journey with Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, despite not leading in goal contributions that year.
How is the Ballon d’Or even a debate??
Lionel Messi in 22/23:
👕58 games
⚽️45 goals
🅰️26 assists
🏆World Cup
🏆Ligue 1
🏆French Super Cup
🎖️World Cup Golden ball
⚽️Scored 2 goals in World Cup final
⚽️🅰️Scored and Assisted in World Cup Semi Final
⚽️Scored in French Super Cup… pic.twitter.com/uOhyNCNj1y— MC (@CrewsMat10) August 17, 2023
Lionel Messi’s influence reverberates deeply due to his instrumental role in propelling Argentina towards victory, with his prolific goal-scoring prowess in each knockout phase. In contrast, Manchester City’s success cannot be attributed solely to Messi-like individual brilliance. The team’s accomplishments are a result of collective efforts, from other star players like Ilkay Gundogan and Rodrigo, also contributing significantly.
Collectively, these elements position the diminutive Argentine as the frontrunner to secure the esteemed honor in 2023.