The soccer community is abuzz with one of its never-ending debates: Who will claim the 2023 Ballon d’Or? With luminaries like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland nominated for the prestigious award, excitement among fans is palpable. Speaking of Messi, the Argentinian superstar stands on the cusp of creating history if he secures his 8th Ballon d’Or.

But as the spotlight gleams on Messi, it raises a compelling question. While earning a Ballon d’Or nomination as an MLS player is already an achievement worth celebrating, are there any other MLS players who have achieved the pinnacle of being nominated for, or even won, the coveted Ballon d’Or?

Are there any MLS Players who have won or have been nominated for Ballon d’Or?

Lionel Messi is currently the only active MLS player to have been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. However, before the arrival of La Pulga to the United States, were there any other names that managed to make it to the list of Ballon d’Or? Well, the answer is yes.

Before Messi, in 2007, David Beckham was the only player to get nominated for Ballon d’Or as an MLS player. The former England international sent shockwaves in the soccer world after joining LA Galaxy from Real Madrid in the same year he got nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

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This leads to another pressing question: Has any MLS player ever won the Ballon d’Or? Regrettably, the answer is no. Despite being the only MLS player to ever receive a Ballon d’Or nomination, David Beckham couldn’t secure the coveted title. Instead, AC Milan and Brazil icon Kaka clinched his first Ballon d’Or in 2007, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi finishing second and third. Forget the top 10, but Beckham didn’t even make the top 30.

Nevertheless, Lionel Messi and David Beckham are the only two players who have ever been nominated for the Ballon d’Or. While Beckham missed his opportunity to bring the award to American soil, Messi now stands at the precipice of continuing where the Inter Miami president left off. So, can Lionel Messi become the first MLS player to win a Ballon d’Or? Furthermore, can he get his hands on the eighth trophy?

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Can Lionel Messi win his eighth Ballon d’Or?

FC Barcelona’s legendary player and manager, Johan Cruyff, once predicted that Lionel Messi would secure five, six, or even seven Ballon d’Or trophies. However, now that the Argentinian has already fulfilled Cruyff’s prophecy, the question arises: Can he attain his historic eighth title? While the possibility exists on the horizon, the road to victory won’t be an easy one for La Pulga.

Although he won’t be seeing his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo at the event, who wasn’t nominated for the award for the first time in a decade, Messi faces fierce competition from formidable contenders such as Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. But can he defy the odds and claim his potential 8th trophy? For now, only time will reveal the award’s ultimate recipient.

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