In 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo broke a 20-year streak by not making it to the Ballon d’Or list. This is the first time in twenty years since his name first appeared on the list in 2003. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s eternal rival for the award, received his eighth nomination. Adding intrigue to the mix, a Premier League legend has vocally supported Messi’s presence on the 2023 Ballon d’Or list.

The prestigious Ballon d’Or award ceremony, organized by France Football magazine, has been an annual tradition honoring the best footballer since its inception in 1956. Lionel Messi has clinched the title seven times, while Cristiano Ronaldo has been a five-time recipient. Remarkably, the duo has jointly won 12 out of 13 awards since 2008.

Premier League legend shares his perspective on Lionel Messi’s nomination for Ballon d’Or 2023

Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage recently argued that Cristiano Ronaldo simply didn’t perform well enough to be considered for football’s most prestigious individual award this year. He firmly believes that Ronaldo’s omission from the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, a first since 2003, was the right call.

Robbie Savage went on to discuss Ronaldo’s arch-rival, Lionel Messi’s chances of claiming this year’s Ballon d’Or, saying, “You look at Lionel Messi’s form for PSG, it wasn’t that great. But it’s a World Cup year, and Messi in that World Cup was absolutely superb. Got his hands on that trophy. He’s an absolute icon, an idol. This will be Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or.”

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The former Premier League midfielder explained that, in spite of the Argentine’s less impressive stint with PSG last season, his exceptional displays at the 2022 FIFA World Cup have elevated him to a prominent position in the race for the award, where he will face stiff competition from the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Also Read: Forced to Leave Portugal, Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo Sends 4-Word Message to National Team After 9–0 Rout of His Favorite Victim

Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi: the battle of legends

Lionel Messi owns seven Ballon d’Or awards, while Cristiano has five. Messi led Barcelona to 10 La Liga crowns and four Champions League titles during his storied career. He also just led Argentina to their third-ever World Cup victory.

The two veterans stayed at the top of the football chain for 15 years, dating back to when Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 and Messi his first in 2009. Among many other accomplishments, Ronaldo has won seven league titles, five Champions League titles, and five Ballon d’Or awards. He also owns the record for most goals (140) and assists (42) in Champions League play.

Fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see if Messi will add another Ballon d’Or to his impressive collection. Will it be Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!!

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