“Deserved the Ballon d’Or 1000 Times” – France Legend Youri Djorkaeff Lauds Lionel Messi’s World Cup Run With Argentina

It may have taken 5 attempts to do so but in 2022, Lionel Messi finally lifted the FIFA World Cup with Argentina. In the tournament the Argentine delivered a scintillating performance, scoring 2 goals in the finals and winning the Golden Ball. The soccer world was captivated by Messi’s heroics, and recently joining those who heaped praise upon him is French legend Youri Djorkaeff.

Lionel Messi’s triumph in the FIFA World Cup was also a significant factor in securing his 8th Ballon d’Or award. Despite some dissenting voices, many critics have argued that the treble-winning, Erling Haaland deserved the accolade instead. However, Youri Djorkaeff does not share this view.

Youri Djorkaeff takes his ‘hat off’ for Lionel Messi’s heroics

The former France international, who himself also tasted World Cup success in 1998, in a recent interview, lauded La Pulga’s World Cup-winning run and highlighted his immense contribution to the Argentine team. “After what Messi did in the 2022 World Cup, he deserved the Ballon d’Or 1,000 times,” said Djorkaeff in admiration.

The former MLS star further emphasized the significance of Lionel Messi’s contribution to the Argentina team. “Look at the Argentina team and how amazing it is that just one player carried this team,” he remarked, in awe. “Incredible stuff and I take my hat off to him.” Despite his nation being the one to suffer the heartbreaking loss in the final, Djorkaeff possesses an unwavering support for the 36-year-old.

He acknowledges that the Inter Miami star’s Ballon d’Or victory is well-deserved. However, not everyone has shared this sentiment in the past. Furthermore, further doubts have emerged now that Lionel Messi has been announced as a finalist for the FIFA The Best Award 2023.

Messi’s FIFA ‘The Best’ nomination called ‘ridiculous’

FIFA recently unveiled the final three contenders for the prestigious FIFA The Best Mens Player 2023 accolade: Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi. However, there has been significant dissatisfaction with the Argentine’s selections. Moreover, ESPN analyst Steve Nicol has also expressed his strong disapproval of his nomination.

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Nicol recently stated, “All the questions of what people think of this award when this happens, tells you it’s nonsense.” He went on to assert, “You know what I mean, people showing love to Messi, ridiculous.” After his Ballon d’Or victory, it seems Messi’s FIFA The Best nomination has also encountered its fair share of critics.

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