The race to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or is heating up, with many players vying for the prestigious award. Among them is Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who had a stellar debut season with his club and is currently in the Euro 2024 final. However, Lionel Messi has snubbed the young star when naming his favorites for the prize.
In an interview reported by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Messi was asked about his top picks for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Inter Miami captain mentioned several names but notably excluded Bellingham.
“[Erling] Haaland, [Kylian] Mbappe, Vinicius, and many young players can compete for the Ballon d’Or in the coming years,” Messi said. “I also think that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young and plays for Barcelona, will play a prominent role and fight for it in the future, too.”
Despite Messi’s snub, Bellingham remains a strong contender for the award. His impressive performances for Real Madrid and his role in England’s success at Euro 2024 make him a formidable competitor. The 2024 Ballon d’Or gala will be hosted at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on October 28.
