Lionel Messi Opens up on the Player He Thinks Deserved a Ballon d’Or

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Lionel Messi has openly pointed out a player he believes should have won the prestigious honour but never did
Over the years, several stars have been overlooked despite delivering seasons that many felt made them the best in the world
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is shaping up with a straight battle emerging between Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal

Lionel Messi once disclosed the player he believes was worthy of winning the Ballon d’Or but never managed to claim it.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, the Argentine icon has etched his own name into history with a record eight Ballon d’Or triumphs.

Lionel Messi Opens up on the Player He Thinks Deserved a Ballon d’Or — Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or a record eight times. Photos: David Jensen.
Source: Getty Images

Yet even with his unparalleled success, Messi acknowledges that not every deserving talent has been rewarded with the game’s most prestigious individual prize.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed on Monday during a glittering ceremony in Paris, France.

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Among the leading contenders for football’s most prestigious individual honour are Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah, and Raphinha, each hoping to etch their name into history.

While Lionel Messi remains the award’s most decorated player with a record eight triumphs, he has previously admitted that not every deserving star has had the chance to lift the Golden Ball.

In fact, back in 2024, Messi singled out his compatriot Lautaro Martínez as a player he believes is worthy of the accolade but has yet to come close.

As per Give Me Sport, Messi said:

“He had a spectacular year, he scored in the final, he was the top scorer in the Copa America. He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else.”

At the time, Martinez himself said:

“For the season I’ve had, I think I deserve to be where I am.

“Because I’ve worked hard, and I’ve also suffered a lot in previous years. It’s the second time I’ve been in the final phase for the Ballon d’Or, and I think I have what it takes to be there.”