With two wins against Canada and Chile, Lionel Messi’s Argentina has had a great start in the 2024 Copa america. The reigning World Cup and Copa America champions headed into the competition looking to defend the title. The Argentinian has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and is the perfect man to lead his nation to victory.
Messi scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 15 games for Inter Miami in the 2023-24 season. His performance has propelled The Herons to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference and could help La Albiceleste retain their continental crown this year.
Could La Pulga Win the Ballon d’Or in October?
Messi’s incredible performances on the pitch have never gone unrecognized. With about 52 individual awards, he is the most decorated player in football history. In 2023, the Argentine added an eighth Ballon d’Or to his collection; the most for any player in the award’s history. The previous year, the Argentine had led his nation to international glory at the FIFA World Cup.
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With the Argentina side making it to the knockout stages of yet another international competition at the Copa America, it is safe to wonder whether we are witnessing the prelude to yet another Ballon d’Or for Lionel Messi. Here are a few reasons why the legendary player could win the award this year.
5 reasons Lionel Messi could win the Ballon d’Or this summer
5. Outstanding Performance with Inter Miami
Since joining the MLS side in July 2023, Messi has scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists in 29 appearances, averaging a goal every 56 minutes. 14 of these goals have come in his 15 appearances for Inter Miami this season. In this short period, he has risen to the third spot on Inter Miami’s all-time top goal-scorers list.
With his contract expiring in December 2025, we will likely see the Argentine rise to the top of the list. His impressive efforts have led his MLS team to the top of their league division and put him at a strong advantage in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
4. The Fate of His Contemporaries
The Ballon d’Or is a coveted award. Regarded by many as the most prestigious individual award in sports history, the race for the Ballon d’Or is a competitive one. Messi will go up against the likes of Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham.
If Brazil makes it past the group stages of the ongoing Copa America, fans might see the legendary forward come face-to-face with Vinicius and Rodrygo in the competition. This will allow voters to see these amazing players play against each other in the race for the continental glory. Vinicius is a strong favorite to win the Ballon d’Or in October following his performance in the Champions League last season — six goals and five assists in 10 games.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are also contenders for the Ballon d’Or and are currently playing in the Euro 2024. While both competitions are still in the early stages, victory at the Copa America for Argentina will give Messi an edge over his competitors.
3. Continued Dominance on the International Stage
Lionel Messi’s ability to consistently perform on the international stage is unmatched. His return of 735 goals and 355 assists across 904 games at club level and 108 goals and 58 assists from 184 appearances for Argentina over the last two decades is phenomenal.
Following his World Cup success in 2022, he has continued to deliver for Argentina, guiding them through the Copa America with stellar performances. His influence on the field and his knack for delivering in crucial moments solidify his reputation as a top contender for the Ballon d’Or.
2. Inspirational Leadership
Beyond his statistics and individual accolades, Messi’s leadership qualities have been instrumental in Argentina’s success. His experience, vision, and ability to motivate his teammates are invaluable assets. Leading by example, Messi has inspired his team to perform at their best, showcasing his importance not just as a player but as a captain.
1. International Glory
The prelude to Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or came in the form of a victory on the international stage. La Pulga’s performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup helped his team clinch the coveted trophy. He scored seven goals and provided three assists in seven games. His magical display in the final against France, where he scored a brace and converted a penalty, seemed to be the icing on his Ballon d’Or cake.
La Albiceleste are favorites to lift the 2024 Copa America trophy, and with an already impressive start, it seems like Messi is leading his national team to victory. The Argentine has already provided an assist in the competition and was vital in helping his team secure victories against Canada and Chile. If the phenomenal forward leads his team to victory, a ninth Ballon d’Or might be on the way in October.
Source: Sportskeeda
