“It is the representatives of the press who will put Messi on a pedestal” – Kommersant FM
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Lionel Messi will again receive the Ballon d’Or, the eighth in his career. Sources of Spanish sports publications report this. The voting will take into account the victory of the Argentina national team at the 2022 World Cup, since last season the prize was awarded before the start of the world championship. Kommersant FM sports columnist Vladimir Osipov found out how great Messi’s chances are.
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, a sort of Oscar in the world of sports. It is presented by the famous French publication France Football. The best player in the world is chosen only by representatives of the press, at the moment there are only 180 people.
Only one journalist from each country votes. Russia is represented on this list by football analyst and columnist Konstantin Kleshchev, who has collaborated with Kommersant FM more than once. The expert cannot comment on the upcoming ceremony (this is prohibited), but it seems that the Spanish publication can be trusted.
Journalists around the world were crazy about Argentina’s incredible victory at the World Cup. So it will be the representatives of the press who will put Messi on the pedestal, football agent Vadim Trushkov, who lives and works in France, is sure:
“France Football is, let’s say, a brand, a historical media award. At the same time, I’m not sure that the conventional Arsene Wenger, whom I respect madly, or other coaching gurus would choose Messi.”
So if players and coaches had joined the journalists’ vote, as was the case when France Football presented its award together with FIFA, Messi would hardly have received the Ballon d’Or.
But observers very often reward players not only for football achievements, explained Vadim Trushkov: “First of all, he has the most positive image in his entire career. Therefore, probably, as a worthy student for good behavior and merit, he will receive this award.
The media aspect plays a huge role. In addition, the choice of Argentina is now as politically correct as possible.”
Meanwhile, Messi’s sworn friend Cristiano Ronaldo, whom everyone unanimously wrote off after the World Cup, scores more than anyone else both for the club in Saudi Arabia and for the Portuguese national team.
After a double against the Bosnia and Herzegovina team in the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament, Cristiano has 40 goals for the current year. Even young Norwegian striker Erling Holland now has one goal less.
So Ronaldo, who will turn 39 next February, does not seem to be planning to retire. Although, of course, the Portuguese is not among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or. Yes, and Messi receives his title for the last time; starting from next season, new names will be heard in the sports world, football manager Yuri Belous is sure:
“It’s unlikely that the Argentine will be able to compete on equal terms with the same Kylian Mbappe, and other stars are emerging. Of course, in the coming years, let’s say, there will be a celebration of new heroes.”
In the meantime, we are waiting for the next Messi award ceremony, which will take place in Paris on October 30. It looks like this day can be considered the end of the era of the great Argentine player. Yes, he won’t finish playing football, but a salary of €126 million a year is a compelling argument to continue his career at the American club Inter Miami.
By the way, the highest paid football player on Earth in 2023 is Cristiano Ronaldo, who is paid €260 million at Al-Nasr. But this is so, for comparison.
Most likely, one of the stars will be able to beat Ronaldo’s record salary in the near future, but Messi’s eight Golden Balls will definitely become an unattainable benchmark for several generations of future football geniuses.
Everything is clear with us – Telegram channel “Kommersant FM”.
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