“For me, Messi has always been there (on the Ballon d’Or nomination list). Maybe because he plays here (MLS – the US professional soccer league) he is no longer considered important. But Messi continues to make a difference. In my opinion, Messi is still the best player in the world without any doubt.

In the Argentina national team, he continues to make the difference. For me, he is the best, he always shows it,” Jordi Alba said at a press conference before the MLS Cup playoff round 1 match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United at 7:30 a.m. on October 26.

This is the first time since 2003 that both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s two top football stars, are not on the shortlist of 30 players for the Ballon d’Or award by France Football magazine (France).

Ronaldo is currently the player with the record of 18 nominations, winning 5 Ballon d’Or awards. Meanwhile, Messi has a total of 16 nominations, but has won 8 Ballon d’Or awards. In the 2023 election, Ronaldo was not nominated. This is also the year Messi won the Ballon d’Or award, and perhaps the last of his career.

This year, the leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or is Real Madrid striker Vinicius, who has won four titles including La Liga, the Champions League, the European Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup. Vinicius will compete with Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos (retired), Fede Valverde and Antonio Rudiger. In addition, there are also Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

The Ballon d’Or award ceremony, in which France Football magazine announces the winner, will only be announced at a ceremony held at the Chatelet Theater in Paris (France) at 2:00 a.m. on October 29.

Meanwhile, according to Inter Miami coach Tata Martino: “Vinicius may have enough ability to win the Golden Ball award. The reason is because this year’s selection is inclined towards new faces and players playing in Europe. However, for me Messi is still the best player in the world.”

Although not nominated for the Ballon d’Or, Messi has been shortlisted and is the most promising candidate to win the 2024 MLS Player of the Year award. He is in top form and is about to enter the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs with his teammates. This is really Messi’s biggest goal for the rest of 2024, according to the Miami Herald (USA).