Messi is predicted by Brazilian star Ronaldo Nazario to win an eighth Ballon d’Or ahead of Erling Haaland of Manchester City.
Lionel Messi, the captain of Inter Miami, will compete against Haaland of Man City for the coveted prize at this year’s presentation, which is scheduled for October 30 at the Théatre du Châtelet in Paris.
Messi had a fantastic 2022–2023 season, helping his former team PSG win both the Ligue 1 and the French Super Cup, and leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar.
In 41 games across all competitions for PSG, the 36-year-old managed to score 21 goals and dish out 20 assists, defying the belief that he was reticent at the club level.
Ronaldo tips Messi for Ballon d’OR thriumph
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, who won the World Cup with Brazil, feels Messi should win.
According to Ronaldo, via Sportskeeda, “the Ballon d’Or should go to him [Lionel Messi], without a doubt.”
“Messi’s World Cup performance was exceptional. It brought to mind Pelé and Maradona’s campaigns.”
