Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has shared his heartfelt congratulations with all nominees and winners of the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, despite not attending the ceremony himself. This year, Messi, who holds the record with eight Ballon d’Or trophies, was notably absent from the 30-man shortlist, leading to discussions about his current status in the footballing world.
Though Messi was away, several of his Argentine teammates were celebrated for their achievements. Notably, Emiliano Martinez won the Yachine Award for the best goalkeeper for the second consecutive year.
In an unexpected twist, Manchester City midfielder Rodri took home the prestigious title of the best player in the world, surpassing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who was a strong favorite for the award.
Taking to Instagram, Messi acknowledged the accomplishments of his fellow players, saying, “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2024. Especially to Dibu; what a fantastic achievement, another award for the best goalkeeper in the world. And a shoutout to Lautaro, Scaloni, and Garnacho.”
The ceremony wasn’t without its controversies, particularly surrounding Vinicius Junior. Former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf suggested that existing tensions between UEFA and Real Madrid may have impacted Vinicius’s chances of winning.
Real Madrid had initially planned to attend the awards ceremony but canceled their trip upon learning that Vinicius would not be awarded the top prize. Seedorf expressed his frustration, stating, “Vini Jr. deserves to win this award. Issues between Real Madrid and UEFA should not overshadow a player’s deserved recognition. It’s a shame.”
In the final rankings, Vinicius finished as the runner-up for the Ballon d’Or, with his teammate Jude Bellingham taking third place.
