Why Lionel Messi Should Have Been Nominated For The 2024 Ballon D’Or

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 15: Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina

As the 2024 Ballon d’Or winners are announced on Monday, the winner of the men’s award in 2023, Lionel Messi, was conspicuous by his absence.

It is the first time since 2005 that Messi has not been nominated, and when it comes to this award, it has been a sharp decline from winning it in 2023 on the back of a World Cup win with Argentina, to not being nominated at all.

It appears there has been a collective decision to end the Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo era in which one of the pair won the Ballon d’Or every year but two between 2008 and 2023.

Messi’s omission might have been too hasty, despite him moving to a lower quality domestic league at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

The Ballon d’Or is awarded based on three main criteria from the previous season, which was recently changed to match the schedule of the major European leagues rather than a calendar year—in this case August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024

In terms of team success, performances, and achievements, the 2024 Copa America was one of the main international tournaments—along with the European Championship, Africa Cup of Nations, and Olympics—taken into account for this latest round of Ballon d’Or nominations and voting.

Argentina won the Copa America, and though Messi wasn’t the tournament’s star player he played a key role as captain and was named in the team of the tournament.

At club level, Messi has been part of the Inter Miami team that broke the regular season points record in 2024 and won the League’s Cup in 2023.

Though the Leagues Cup is only a minor trophy and some of that record-breaking Inter Miami season falls outside the period for consideration for 2024 Ballon d’Or voting.

Messi’s performances during that time showed no drop in quality and certainly showed “decisive and impressive character”.

Lionel Messi’s absence from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations marks a significant turning point in the history of the prestigious award.

After a decade of dominance, the Argentine superstar’s exclusion has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among football fans and pundits alike.

The decision to omit Messi from the nominations appears to signal a deliberate effort to usher in a new era of football, one that is less reliant on the two titans, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

While this shift is understandable, it seems premature to completely disregard Messi’s contributions, especially considering his impressive performances at Inter Miami.

Despite moving to a lower-tier league, Messi has continued to exhibit world-class skills and leadership qualities.

His impact on Inter Miami has been undeniable, as the club has achieved unprecedented success under his guidance.

While the Leagues Cup may not be considered a major trophy, it is a significant achievement that showcases Messi’s ability to elevate a team and inspire his teammates.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations seem to have prioritized performances in major European leagues and continental tournaments.

However, Messi’s role in Argentina’s Copa America triumph and his exceptional form at Inter Miami should not be overlooked.

While the criteria for the award may have changed, it is essential to acknowledge the impact of players who excel outside of traditional powerhouses.

Messi’s exclusion from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations is a controversial decision that has sparked debate and raised questions about the future of the award.

As the football landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize and reward exceptional talent, regardless of league or nationality.