The Spanish midfielder opted out of the award cycle, citing insufficient marketing exposure as the reason for his absence.
- Most expect Messi to clinch an eighth Ballon d’Or.
- Rodri argues Messi stands above Haaland in the current race.
- Ruled has decided to sit out, pointing to limited sponsorship presence as a factor.
WHAT HAPPENED? Argentine maestro Lionel Messi propelled his national team to a third World Cup title in Qatar and added a second Ligue 1 crown with Paris Saint-Germain in the 2022-23 season. With seven Ballon d’Or trophies already in his cabinet, many anticipate he will reach an unprecedented eighth in the ceremony held in Paris on October 30. Rodri has publicly acknowledged Messi as the prime favorite, even as teammate Erling Haaland delivered a groundbreaking season with 52 goals and steered Manchester City to a domestic treble during his debut year at the Etihad Stadium.
WHAT THEY SAID: “I think a certain Leo Messi will take it. Haaland is also a very big figure and has merits,” the Manchester City midfielder remarked in a Chat with COPE. Rodri has been shortlisted for the 2023 award as well, though expectations for his victory are tempered by the broader media spotlight resting on Messi and Haaland. “I know it’s an individual accolade with a lot of marketing involved,” he added. “Among the players I work with, I clearly lack the same marketing visibility as Xavi and Iniesta. I focus on the things I can influence, especially the team prizes.”
THE CONTEXT: If Messi wins again, he would etch a one-of-a-kind record by becoming the first footballer to claim this prestigious individual honor while playing club football outside Europe’s borders. After joining MLS outfit Inter Miami in the summer, Messi helped them claim the Leagues Cup but missed MLS playoff contention due to a muscle injury that sidelined him for five matches.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
Getty Getty
WHAT’S NEXT? Reports indicate that Aitana Bonmatí, another World Cup winner and the standout player of the 2023 women’s tournament, is set to receive the Women’s Ballon d’Or this year.