The Kopa Trophy is voted for by a jury of all previous Ballon d’Or winners. Messi chose Lamine Yamal, matching the majority of the other choices. Only former Brazil star Ronaldo chose compatriot Savinho ahead of Lamine Yamal.
In Messi’s vote, Lamine Yamal was chosen as number 1, followed by another young talent of Barcelona, center back Pau Cubarsi and fellow Argentine player playing for MU, striker Alejandro Garnacho.
Ronaldo (Brazil) chose Savinho (currently playing for Man City, last season with Girona) as number 1, followed by Lamine Yamal and Arda Guler (Real Madrid). However, other famous players who have won the Golden Ball and are still playing such as Karim Benzema and Luka Modric have the same choice as Messi, when voting Lamine Yamal as number 1.
This is considered a worthy choice, when Lamine Yamal became the best young player of EURO 2024, contributing greatly to the Spanish team winning the championship of the most prestigious tournament in Europe. In the 2023 – 2024 season, also considered a breakthrough season for Lamine Yamal, becoming a key factor at Barcelona Club at the age of 17, playing 50 matches and scoring 7 goals on all fronts.
Therefore, the selection of the Kopa Cup from famous players such as Messi, Ronaldo (Brazil), Benzema and Luka Modric… is considered very convincing. Meanwhile, the Golden Ball vote from 99 journalists around the world representing teams in the top 100 on the FIFA rankings has caused a lot of controversy.
According to France Football , the Golden Ball winner Rodri received a total of 1,170 points, just 41 points more than the second-placed Vinicius (1,129 points). The third-placed Jude Bellingham received 917 points. Meanwhile, striker Erling Haaland ranked 5th with 432 points, Kylian Mbappe ranked 6th with 420 points. Lautaro Martinez ranked 7th with 402 points. In addition to the Kopa Cup title, Lamine Yamal ranked 8th on this list with 383 points.
Messi previously predicted that Lamine Yamal would soon win the Ballon d’Or. This will most likely happen in 2025, when Lamine Yamal continues his current brilliant season with Barcelona.
