The soccer world awaits Lionel Messi’s record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or and there are so many views and feelings about this. Adding further fuel to the fire, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano mentioned recently that everything is in place for Messi to regain his status as the world’s best player yet again when the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place on October 30 in Paris,
The last twelve months have witnessed an amazing trek of Messi. The Argentinian maestro helped his country win the World Cup, where he narrowly missed out on claiming the coveted Golden Boot, as he finished a goal short of Kylian Mbappe.
He did not have a single dull moment in the World Cup where he led his team by virtually himself to the World’s most coveted trophy.
In his stint at Paris Saint-Germain last season, Messi was still amazing, recording 21 goals and 21 assists in 41 games with the French giants winning another Ligue 1 title. These performances further cemented him as one of the best players last season.
🚨✨ Leo Messi, expected to win the Ballon d’Or 2023.
Understand all the indications are set to be confirmed but Messi will be the final winner once again.
Official decision to be unveiled Monday night in Paris.
🇦🇷 It will be Messi’s historical 8th Ballon d’Or. pic.twitter.com/v8FWZQdeaR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 25, 2023
However, the anticipation surrounding Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win is not without its fair share of controversy. A certain group of fans feel that the award should be given to Erling Haaland given his performance for Manchester City last season.
Biggest robbery in world football pic.twitter.com/ShCo5yKYhx
— 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐢 (@Nuri_Garnacho7) October 25, 2023
One fan expressed their disappointment, saying, “Disgusting. He did not deserve that at all, and as a lifelong Messi fan, I will look at him differently after this.” while others said, “This is coming from a lifelong Man United fan, but Haaland is the real winner!” and, “Biggest robbery in world football.”
Erling Haaland, who enjoyed a stellar debut season with Manchester City, played a pivotal role in City’s treble-winning campaign, netting an impressive 52 goals in 53 games across various competitions.
What is Lionel Messi’s missing glory
While about to claim his 8th Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi is yet to win a particular award that Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, and Ronaldinho have already got.
Following his World Cup triumph with Argentina, the 36-year-old continues to add individual honors to his illustrious career. However, the prestigious Golden Foot award has thus far eluded him is one of those awards which Lionel Messi is yet to win.
If you can’t show Messi’s Golden Foot Award, never compare him to the GOAT Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/prke1L0NR6
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) May 9, 2023
Some of the legends including Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Mohamed Salah, Luka Modric, and Robert Lewandowski have been awarded the Golden Foot which is quite an achievement. However, Messi’s name is notable for not being part of this list.
Cristiano Ronaldo, too, had the distinction of claiming the Golden Foot in 2020, surpassing both Messi and Lewandowski during a ceremonial presentation in Turin while he was part of Juventus.
With Lionel Messi’s focus now set on the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, the possibility exists that he may finally grasp the elusive Golden Foot award. However, only time will reveal whether the Argentine wizard can add both of these prestigious accolades to his already glittering collection of achievements.