Celebrated football legend Lionel Messi, who claimed the eighth Ballon d’Or title of his illustrious career just last year, has been conspicuously absent from the list of 30 nominees for the prestigious award this time around. The official list, unveiled by the organizers on Wednesday, prominently features stars from Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team and Real Madrid’s Champions League victors, leaving many speculating over Messi’s surprising exclusion.
Messi, now 37 years old, continues to display his football prowess, having recently clinched another major title with Argentina at the Copa America in July. Despite these accomplishments, Messi did not make the cut for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, a stark contrast to his historic win last year where he led Argentina to a World Cup triumph in Qatar, cementing his legacy in the football world once again.
Also worth noting, this isn’t the first time Messi has been omitted from the list. Back in 2022, he was also missing among the nominees when Karim Benzema ultimately took home the honor. Messi’s career saw a resurgence the following year, bringing him back into contention and ultimately winning the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time. However, this year sees a different trend with other football luminaries making the headlines.
The competition for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is fierce, with strong contenders emerging from various teams. Among them, Brazil’s Vinicius Junior stands out as a favorite. Vinicius, who plays for Real Madrid, is one of six members from the team that secured the La Liga and Champions League titles last season to be nominated. Alongside him, other Real Madrid stalwarts like Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Antonio Ruediger, and Fede Valverde have also made the prestigious list.
Kylian Mbappe, whose extraordinary talent continues to dazzle fans and critics alike, also features as a top contender for the award. Mbappe’s performances both for his club and the national team have consistently reinforced his standing as one of the best players in the world today.
The absence of Messi might feel like a considerable void for his legion of fans who have followed his career through numerous highs.
. Messi, who had spent the majority of his career at Barcelona amassing numerous titles and records, is currently playing club football with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami. His move to MLS was seen as a new chapter in his decorated career but has not seemed to have an impact on this year’s Ballon d’Or nominations.
In reflecting on the nominees, one cannot ignore the broader accomplishments and contributions of the listed players. While Messi’s achievements in the past year, including his Copa America win, are significant, the Ballon d’Or jury seems to have sought fresh faces and perhaps rewarding the year’s consistent performers in the sport.
Real Madrid’s strong representation with six players underscores the team’s formidable season, having triumphed in both the La Liga and Champions League last season. This level of recognition is reflective of their dominance on the field, with each nominated player contributing significantly to the team’s success. Jude Bellingham’s inclusion, in particular, highlights his remarkable adaptability and skill in orchestrating plays from the midfield position.
Meanwhile, football enthusiasts will be closely watching how Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe fare in the run-up to the award’s ceremony. Both have exhibited remarkable skill, agility, and a knack for scoring critical goals, characteristics that often capture the jury’s attention.
As the football world gears up for the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the absence of Lionel Messi from the nominees’ list signifies a potential turning point, hinting that even the most iconic careers can face moments of eclipse. Yet, his contributions to the sport remain undeniable and his potential for future accolades can’t be discounted.
This development sets a fascinating stage for the Ballon d’Or 2024, with various stories and performances to be celebrated. Despite Messi’s snub, the list is filled with exceptional talents ready to etch their names in football history.
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