Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or nomination breaks European-only tradition for MLS
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has earned a nomination for the 2023 Ballon d'Or, a significant moment for Major League Soccer as it marks the first time a player from the league has been included among the 30 finalists. This selection challenges a long-standing perception that the prestigious individual award is exclusively for players competing in Europe’s top-tier leagues.
Historically, the Ballon d'Or has been awarded to soccer players exclusively from European competitions. This year's nomination for Messi, despite his move to MLS, represents a notable shift in the award's criteria or at least its interpretation by selectors [MLS Multiplex reporting].
Messi's World Cup performance key to his inclusion
While Messi now plays for Inter Miami in MLS, his nomination primarily stems from his exceptional performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory. This international success was a critical factor in his selection for the award, underscoring the weight of major international tournaments in individual accolades.
His contributions to Argentina’s World Cup triumph, particularly at 39 years old, were widely acclaimed. Key moments included crucial goals and assists that turned the tide in several matches, with his display against England highlighted as a masterful performance. This demonstrates that even with a move to MLS, elite international performances can still command global recognition.
Challenges for an MLS player to win the award
Despite the nomination, Messi faces considerable challenges in securing his ninth Ballon d'Or. The award's criteria have historically favored players participating in elite European club competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League.
Since Messi no longer competes in these tournaments with Inter Miami, the path to winning the Ballon d'Or remains difficult for an MLS-based player. The nomination itself, however, signifies a crack in the traditional European-centric view of the award, acknowledging the global impact of an MLS player's achievements [Messi's historic nomination]. The soccer world will be watching to see if this trend continues in future nominations.
Reporting: MLS Multiplex