The reigning World Cup and Copa America champions head into the tournament aiming to defend their crown. The Argentine captain has won a record eight Ballon d’Ors and is in good form to lead his country to victory.
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Messi has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 15 games for Inter Miami in the 2023-24 season. His performances have propelled the Herons to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings and could help La Albiceleste retain their continental crown this year .
Messi’s prominence has raised the question of whether La Pulga can win the Ballon d’Or in October? Simply put, Messi’s excellent performances on the pitch always attract attention and recognition from the public and experts. And with about 52 individual titles, he is the most honored player in football history . In 2023, the Argentine player added an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or to his collection.
Messi played brilliantly in two wins over Canada and Chile, helping Argentina secure an early ticket to the Copa America quarter-finals. Photo: GETTY.
The year before, he led his country to glory at the FIFA World Cup. With Argentina now in the knockout stages of another international tournament , the Copa America, Messi fans are wondering if this is the prelude to a ninth Ballon d’Or. Here are five reasons why the legendary player will win the prestigious individual award this year.
1. Excellent performance at Inter Miami
Since joining MLS in July 2023, Messi has scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists in 29 appearances, averaging a goal every 56 minutes. 14 of those goals have come in 15 games for Inter Miami this season. In a short time, he has risen to third place on Inter Miami’s all-time scoring list.
With his contract expiring in December 2025, the Argentine could be on his way to the top of the table. His impressive efforts have helped his MLS side top the standings and put him in a strong position to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Argentine star won his eighth Ballon d’Or thanks to his brilliance at the 2022 World Cup. Photo: GETTY.
2. Race of rivals
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious and prestigious individual awards in the history of sports , making it always fiercely competitive. Messi will face Real Madrid stars Vinicius, Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
And if Brazil make it through the group stages of the ongoing Copa America, fans could see the legendary Argentina striker go head-to-head with Vinicius and Rodrygo for continental glory. Vinicius is also a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or in October after his performances in last season’s Champions League, when he scored six goals and provided five assists in 10 games.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are other strong candidates for the Ballon d’Or and are playing at Euro 2024. The two major continental tournaments are still in their early stages, and a Copa America victory would give Messi an advantage over his rivals.
Messi is not inferior to his opponents at club and national team level. Photo: GETTY.
3. Shine on the international stage
Lionel Messi’s ability to consistently shine on the international stage for Argentina is unquestionable. He has scored 735 goals and provided 355 assists in 904 club games and 108 goals and 58 assists in 184 appearances for Argentina over the past two decades.
After his success at the 2022 World Cup, he continued to contribute to Argentina, leading the team through the Copa America with excellent performances. Messi’s influence on the pitch and ability to shine in decisive moments has cemented his reputation as a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
4. Inspirational person
Beyond his individual stats and accolades, Messi’s leadership qualities have been crucial to Argentina’s success. His experience , vision and ability to motivate his teammates are invaluable assets. Messi has inspired his team to perform at their best, demonstrating his importance not only as a player but also as a captain.
If he helps Argentina win the Copa America for the second time, Messi’s chance of winning his 9th Ballon d’Or is very high. Photo: GETTY.
5. Glory at Copa America
Messi’s prelude to his eighth Ballon d’Or came on the back of a triumph on the international stage. La Pulga’s performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup helped his team win the prestigious trophy. He scored seven goals and provided three assists in seven games. Messi’s magical performance in the final against France, where he scored twice and converted a penalty, was the highlight of his Ballon d’Or win.
La Albiceleste are now favourites to win the 2024 Copa America, and with an impressive start, it looks like Messi will lead his national team to victory. The Argentine has an assist in the tournament and played a key role in his team’s wins over Canada and Chile. If the prolific striker continues his winning ways, a ninth Ballon d’Or will be waiting for him in October.
