Alone in the world. Last night, Lionel Messi (36) made football history a little further by winning his eighth Ballon d’Or. This could well be the last raised by the Argentinian, who now plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The main person concerned is well aware of this. Last night at the Châtelet theater, the native of Rosario spoke about the new generation who are pushing to win this precious trophy, like Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway, 2nd) and Kylian Mbappé (PSG/France, 3rd ).
Messi passes the baton
“They are two extraordinary players. I shared two years in the same club as Kylian and I know his talent. We shared our training sessions and matches. I know his immense talent. He is still a very young player. Both of them, in fact. I know that in the future we will find them again. Erling has had an extraordinary career. he won different titles. I am convinced that, very soon, they will be winners of this Ballon d’Or.” It is precisely towards them that all eyes are turning today. Indeed, the 2024 Ballon d’Or is already on everyone’s minds, especially those of journalists.
In Spain, A.S. is already launching the new campaign. “The Ballon d’Or is looking for an heir”writes the Iberian publication before adding: “Messi won his eighth award, which he described as “the last” and directly named Haaland and Mbappé as his possible successors. But they are not the only ones.” Indeed, the French and the Norwegian are on the front line to succeed La Pulga. Concerning Mbappé, The Parisian wrote this Tuesday that he is meeting in 2024. An important year for the captain of the France team who will lead his team during Euro 2024.
Mbappé vs Haaland?
A competition where he will be eagerly awaited. The 24-year-old could also play in the Olympics in Paris this summer. At club level, he is also having a crucial year. At the end of the contract next June, KM7 hopes to finish on a good note, in the event of departure. What’s better than lifting your club’s first Champions League? But the road is long. Especially since Paris is not reassuring. Mbappé, who has come under some criticism, has started the season rather well from a statistical point of view. Indeed, he has already reached 12 goals and 1 assist in 12 appearances in all competitions.
This year, he will have to be decisive during the major Parisian meetings in the Champions League. Especially since he is the one and only star of the club since the departures of Messi and Neymar this summer. But the competition is fierce. Erling Haaland, who some saw winning the Ballon d’Or ahead of the Argentinian in 2023, had to settle for the Gerd Müller prize. But the Norwegian (13 goals and 3 assists in 13 appearances this season) assured last night that he was ambitious and that he was hungry for goals and titles. A message sent to its competitors.
Other players push behind
If he can garnish his record with new club trophies, his absence at the Euro could be detrimental to him and benefit his opponents. A.S. cites several. Among them, we find Jude Bellingham (20 years old). Winner of the Kopa trophy, the Englishman has had a fantastic start to the season (13 goals and 3 assists in 13 matches). And unlike Haaland, he will be present at the 2024 European Championship with the Three Lions. The Iberian media also cites Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid/Brazil, 23 years old), author of 3 goals and 2 assists but injured at the start of the season.
Eighth last year, the one who won the Socrates prize finished sixth. The objective is now to be on the podium and to win the trophy, he who will compete in the Copa América with the Seleção. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich/Germany, 20 years old) or the surprising Rodri (Manchester City/Spain, 27 years old) are mentioned among the players who could recover the throne from Lionel Messi. We could have mentioned his teammate Julian Alvarez (Manchester City/Argentina, 23 years old), who is gaining momentum. Others will certainly have their say. The race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is therefore already underway. Mbappé, Haaland and Bellingham are cited as the favorites with Vini Jr, Rodri and Musiala. Place your bets !
