Lionel Messi (R) shakes hand with Cristiano Ronaldo before taking their seats for an award ceremony in London, England, October 23, 2017. /CFP
The legendary Lionel Messi, an esteemed figure from Argentina, and the remarkable Erling Haaland, a prodigious talent from Norway, are leading the list of contenders for the coveted 2023 Ballon d'Or accolade.
The prestigious France Football magazine unveiled this much-anticipated list late Wednesday. Messi, who had struggled to rediscover his best after leaving Barcelona, was omitted from the shortlist last year.
However, this year, the 36-year-old stands as the overwhelming favorite to claim the highest honor in the world of football after guiding Argentina to 2022 World Cup success. He netted seven goals in seven appearances and was named player of the tournament.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi waves to the crowd during the second half of an MLS match against Los Angeles FC in Los Angeles, U.S., September 3, 2023. /CFP
The Inter Miami forward, a record seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, has achieved the distinction of being the first active player in Major League Soccer to be nominated for the prize since David Beckham, who received this honor during his tenure with LA Galaxy back in 2007.
In a surprising turn of events, the Portuguese icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, who now graces the ranks of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, finds himself excluded from the selection, a fate he has not experienced since the year 2003.
Ronaldo, widely regarded as Messi's worthy adversary, showcased his remarkable prowess in the Middle East, notching 14 goals and two assists in 16 matches. However, despite his outstanding contributions, the striker could not propel his team to claim the coveted league title.
Erling Haaland celebrates at the end of the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Fulham at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, September 2, 2023.
It is Haaland who emerges as Messi's most formidable contender for this year's award. The Norwegian wunderkind played an instrumental role in helping Manchester City win the Premier League, FA Cup and the illustrious Champions League, scoring 52 goals in 53 appearances last term.
Such a remarkable feat garnered him not only team triumphs but also a plethora of individual honors. Haaland has clinched the Professional Footballers' Association's Player of the Year, the Football Writers' Association's Men's Player of the Year, and the Premier League's Player of the Season.
Full list of Ballon d'Or nominees
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Andre Onana (Manchester United)
Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad)
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint Germain)
Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Nicola Barella (Inter Milan)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal)
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)
Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona)
Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Lautaro Martinez (Inter MIlan)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Rodri (Barcelona)
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint German)
Kim Min-Jae (Bayern Munich)
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)