is set to become the first footballer playing outside of Europe to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Argentine is the favourite to win the prestigious award, which is set to be handed out on Monday evening.
The 36-year-old has already won seven of the awards during his illustrious career.
But the crowning moment of Messi’s astonishing career came in 2022, when he guided Argentina to victory in .
His performances in the middle-east, as well as his displays for Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, are set to see the playmaker win his eighth Ballon d’Or.
Incredibly, Messi will become the first player to play for a club outside of Europe at the time of the award to win the Ballon d’Or.
According to Fabrizio Romano, he will beat the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to Europe’s top prize.
The prize will bring even greater gravitas to Messi’s move to Florida.
David Beckham worked for years to sign the playmaker to his MLS club, in what was a huge coup for the north American league.
But having a Ballon d’Or-holding winner in their ranks will be an even bigger boost to the league’s hopes of competing with Europe.
, .
, and .
