In a surprising turn of events, Lionel Messi will not be in contention for this year’s Ballon d’Or, one of football’s most prestigious individual awards. Organisers revealed this year’s nominee list on Wednesday, notably excluding the Argentine superstar despite his significant achievements in the past year, including a title win in the Copa America.
Messi, who claimed his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2022 after a stellar season and a triumphant World Cup campaign with Argentina in Qatar, finds himself absent from the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 award. The 37-year-old continues to deliver impressive performances, now turning heads in the MLS with Inter Miami, yet this wasn’t enough to secure a spot among the year’s best footballers according to the award selectors.
In contrast, the roster of nominees has a significant representation from Real Madrid, who had a remarkable season, winning La Liga and the Champions League. Key figures from Madrid’s squad, including Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Antonio Ruediger, and Fede Valverde, have all been nominated. Vinicius Junior, in particular, has emerged as a prominent favorite for this year’s accolade.
Kylian Mbappe, another anticipated contender, also features on the list. The Paris Saint-Germain forward continues to thrive and plays a crucial role in both his club and national teams, maintaining the high standards expected of one who has consistently been in the mix for football’s top individual prizes.
The omission of Messi marks another significant turning point in the Ballon d’Or’s history, focusing attention on the newer generation of football talent that’s rapidly establishing its dominance. Despite his omission, Messi’s impact on the sport remains undeniably vast.
This year’s Ballon d’Or, judged by France Football, aims to reward the best player worldwide as determined by a select panel of international journalists, captains, and coaches. The criteria include individual and collective performances, talent and fair play, and the player’s career. Interestingly, Messi’s absence comes after a mixed season for Inter Miami, where despite shining individually, the team struggled to dominate the league.
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The announcement of the nominees has sparked intense debates among fans and pundits alike, who dissect every nominee’s season and career to argue for their favorites. Messi’s exclusion, while unexpected, serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of global football where emerging stars are pushing seasoned legends for supremacy.
Last year’s winner, Karim Benzema, clinched the award following a phenomenal season. His impact was particularly noted in Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign, where his goals and leadership were instrumental. Messi’s return to the podium last season broke Benzema’s recent streak, but now the door is open for another player to make their mark.
The Ballon d’Or, established in 1956 by France Football, has grown into the epitome of individual football honors. It has reflected the changing dynamics of football excellence across different eras and continues to be a benchmark for the world’s best footballers. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has also been a regular feature on the list, face competition from budding stars like Erling Haaland and Pedri, who are keen to leave their mark.
As the football world eagerly awaits the final announcement and subsequent ceremony, Messi’s absence is both a marker of the shifting sands of football glory and a reminder of the sport’s relentless demand for continuous excellence. While the Argentine maestro may not add to his tally this year, his illustrious career filled with honors and unforgettable moments will remain etched in football history.
This season’s award race is undeniably compelling, promising to celebrate both seasoned performers and the relentless rise of young prodigies. With Messi and Ronaldo’s gradual diminishing appearance at such high stages, the football fraternity is witnessing a transition that promises future legends of the game.
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