5 reasons Messi won the 9th Ballon d’Or

With two victories against Canada and Chile, the Argentina team is having a great start at Copa America 2024 with the highlight of Lionel Messi making him able to win the 9th Golden Ball.

The defending World Cup and Copa America champions entered the tournament with the goal of defending their throne. The Argentine captain has won a record eight Ballon d’Or and is in form to lead his national team to victory.

Messi has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 15 games for Inter Miami in the 2023-24 season. His performances have propelled the Herons to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings and could help La Albiceleste retain their continental crown this year .

Messi’s prominence has raised the question of whether La Pulga can win the Ballon d’Or in October? Simply put, Messi’s excellent performances on the pitch always attract attention and recognition from the public and experts. And with about 52 individual titles, he is the most honored player in football history . In 2023, the Argentine player added an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or to his collection.

The previous year, he led the national team to glory at the FIFA World Cup. With Argentina reaching the knockout round of another international tournament at the Copa America, Messi fans wonder if this is the prelude to a ninth Ballon d’Or. There are five reasons. This legendary player will win the prestigious individual award this year.

1. Excellent performance at Inter Miami

Since joining MLS in July 2023, Messi has scored 25 goals and had 16 assists in 29 appearances, averaging a goal every 56 minutes. 14 of the goals came in 15 matches for Inter Miami this season. In a short time, he rose to third place on the list of Inter Miami’s top scorers.

With his contract expiring in December 2025, the Argentine could be on his way to the top of the table. His impressive efforts have helped his MLS side top the standings and put him in a strong position to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Argentinian star won his 8th Golden Ball thanks to his brilliance at the 2022 World Cup. Photo: GETTY.

2. Race of competitors

The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious and prestigious individual awards in the history of sports , making it always fiercely competitive. Messi will face Real Madrid stars Vinicius, Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham in the race for the Ballon d’Or.

And if Brazil make it through the group stages of the ongoing Copa America, fans could see the legendary Argentina striker go head-to-head with Vinicius and Rodrygo for continental glory. Vinicius is also a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or in October after his performances in last season’s Champions League, when he scored six goals and provided five assists in 10 games.

Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are other strong contenders for the Ballon d’Or and are competing at Euro 2024. The two major continental games are still in their early stages, and a win at the Copa America would give them an advantage. for Messi compared to his opponents.

Messi is no less than his opponents at the club and national team levels. Photo: GETTY.

3. Shine on the international stage

Lionel Messi’s ability to consistently shine on the international stage for Argentina is unquestionable. He has scored 735 goals and provided 355 assists in 904 club games and 108 goals and 58 assists in 184 appearances for Argentina over the past two decades.

After his success at the 2022 World Cup, he continued to contribute to Argentina, leading the team through the Copa America with excellent performances. Messi’s influence on the pitch and ability to shine in decisive moments has cemented his reputation as a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or.

4. Inspirational people

In addition to individual statistics and titles, Messi’s leadership qualities have played an important role in Argentina’s success. His experience , vision and ability to motivate teammates are invaluable assets. Messi inspired his team to perform at their best, demonstrating his importance not only as a player but also as a captain.

If he helps Argentina win the Copa America for the second time, Messi’s chances of winning his 9th Golden Ball are huge. Photo: GETTY.

5. Glory at Copa America

The prelude to Messi’s eighth Golden Ball came from victory on the international stage. La Pulga’s performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup helped his team win the prestigious trophy. He scored seven goals and had three assists in seven matches. Messi’s magical play in the final against France, where he scored two goals and converted a penalty, was the highlight of his Golden Ball award.

La Albiceleste are now favourites to win the 2024 Copa America, and with an impressive start, it looks like Messi will lead his national team to victory. The Argentine has an assist in the tournament and played a key role in his team’s wins over Canada and Chile. If the prolific striker continues his winning ways, a ninth Ballon d’Or will be waiting for him in October.