Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has named Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Lamine Yamal as the candidates for the Ballon d'Or, not just for this year, but in future as well, as the 'La Pulga' called the players exceptional and that the former two are set to dominate the coming decade. Ironically, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe were the two superstars who competed against Lioenl Messi for the 2023 Ballon d'Or, which the Argentine legend won comprehensively, on the banks of a legendary FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar triumph, and stints with PSG and Inter Miami.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, in an interview with L'Equipe, mentioned that the players listed above will be sharing a "very beautiful rivalry" and that "the era will be beautiful and enjoyable".
"The players to compete for the Ballon d'Or in the coming years? There may be a very beautiful rivalry in the coming years with players like Haaland, Mbappe, Vinicius and many young players competing for the Ballon d'Or. I also think that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young and now plays for Barcelona, will play a prominent role and fight for it in the future too," said Lionel Messi, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner.
Certainly there will be others competing for it, new players that we do not know will appear, because there are always new players, and I think it will be a very beautiful era to enjoy," added Messi.
Jude Bellingham Snubbed By Lionel Messi In Latter's Ballon d'Or Candidates List
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been in exceptional form for the Los Blancos this season and in his debut season at the club, the Englishman has become a talisman in the legendary side and is their leading goalscorer, inspite of playing as a midfielder. However, many Real fans are angry and majority of the football fans are surprised that Messi snubbed out Jude Bellingham, who is in great form and also, on top of that, is a huge fan of the 'Atomic Flea', Lionel Messi.
Back in his Dortmund days, the 20-year old chose Messi over Ronaldo and te player didn't seem to even think for a while, as he even stated that Messi does things that are unbelievable and outrageous. Not only Bellingham, teammate Vinicius Jr also hails Messi over Ronaldo and such choices from Real Madrid players speaks volumes in itself that rivalry cannot overshadow greatness, and Messi, indeed, is a true role model for the potential future greats.