Lionel Messi’s unrivalled collection of Ballon d’Or titles is expected to grow ever larger with the Inter Miami superstar set to be rewarded for Argentina’s epic World Cup triumph
Lionel Messi already has seven Ballon d’Ors to his name, but could soon add another after being nominated again for the most prestigious individual prize in world football.
Messi heads a 30-man shortlist for the award after a legacy-defining year for the Argentine master, lifting the World Cup in Qatar and adding another league title to his name at Paris Saint-Germain before captivating America and Major League Soccer with his transformative impact at Inter Miami.
For a man who has become so accustomed to greatness, it has been a particularly satisfying year. The 36-year-old remains one of the most impactful players on and off the field and he is heavily favoured by the oddsmakers to be rewarded with yet another golden ball.
Messi has recently indicated the Ballon d’Or and other individual awards have waned in importance to him as his career has matured, but it is likely he get his hands on the trophy for the eighth time very soon.