The gap between the two players who were once rivals is widening. While Lionel Messi (36) is likely to win the Ballon d’Or, Cristiano Ronaldo (37) was not even nominated.

France Football, the French organization that hosts the Ballon d’Or, announced the 30 candidates for the 2023 Ballon d’Or on the 7th (Korean time). Messi was there, Ronaldo was not.

Messi was a finalist along with Erling Haaland, who won the UEFA Player of the Year award, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Robert Lewandowski.

On the other hand, Ronaldo left the Ballon d’Or finalists for the first time in 19 years since 2004. This means that Ronaldo’s era is coming to an end.

Also, Messi was not only a finalist. It is very likely that he will win the award for the eighth time in his career. Although the club didn’t achieve much, they lifted the World Cup.

Messi’s Argentina won the 2022 Qatar World Cup held in December last year. As a result, Messi reached the peak of his brilliant career.

According to the predictions of several betting companies, Messi is certain to win the Ballon d’Or. This is the 8th award in total. On the other hand, Ronaldo has only won the award five times.

Of course, Ronaldo’s winning the award five times is also a great achievement. However, it is also true that the gap has widened to the point where Messi and Ronaldo can no longer be called rivals.

Also, both players have currently left the European stage. While Messi is receiving a lot of attention in the United States, interest in Ronaldo is relatively decreasing.

The final winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or, which is likely to widen the trophy gap between Messi and Ronaldo to three, will be announced on October 31.

By: 와이즈토토