The Ballon d’Or remains the top individual award for a soccer player. The France Football’s annual football prize, established in 1956, is a prestigious recognition. Lionel Messi won the award a record seven times, and Cristiano Ronaldo comes second with 5. Thus, the new shortlist of players for 2023 is out, and many claim Messi to win it again. Wayne Rooney, a former teammate of Ronaldo and a Manchester United icon, delivered his judgment. 

With Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland establishing dominance in the current soccer scenario, things are looking tight for this year’s award. Hence, Rooney pointed out his thoughts on wanting Messi to win it yet again!

Wayne Rooney gives her verdict on Lionel Messi!

Even now, the age of Messi and Ronaldo continues to gather pace. Ronaldo plays for Al Nassr, while Messi took his talents to South Beach. Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup under his tutelage. Hence, with a World Cup victory under his belt, Messi hopes to win his eighth Ballon d’Or award. But with Haaland winning a treble with Manchester City, things come to a point of difference between the two players. Understanding this, Rooney gave his thoughts about the eventual winner. 

Rooney stated, “The rivalry between Messi & Ronaldo is over since Leo Messi won the World Cup. Messi is now competing with the new generation of players Haaland, and Mbappe for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, and I hope Messi will beat them both and win it.”

With Haaland scoring 52 goals last season, it would be intriguing with the Norwegian player in the mix. Mbappe, too, reached the World Cup finals in Qatar and won the golden boot award for his efforts. He solely carried France into the game, scoring a remarkable goal to amaze the fans. Thus, the Ballon d’Or shortlist is out, with many players dominating the headlines. 

READ MORE- 58 Days After Exposing Shortcomings for Lionel Messi’s Arrival, David Beckham Tears Up $661,000-Rated Star’s Contract From Inter Miami

Ballon d’Or 2023 shortlists!

Here are the nominees for the 2023 award. They are:

• Lionel Messi
• Erling Haaland 
• Kylian Mbappe
• Julian Alvarez
• Jude Bellingham
• Nicolo Barella
• Yassine Bounou
• Ruben Dias
• Antoine Griezmann
• Kevin De Bruyne
• Ilkay Gundogan
• Josko Gvardiol
• Randal Kolo Muani
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

• Harry Kane
• Robert Lewandowski
• Lautaro Martinez
• Min-Jae Kim
• Emiliano Martinez
• Luka Modric
• Victor Osimhen
• Jamal Musiala
• Martin Odegaard
• Rodri
• Bernardo Silva
• Vinicius Jr
• Bukayo Saka
• Mohamed Salah

Thus, there is a lot of competition for Messi to win his next Ballon d’Or. To sum up, fans hope he can win the award and establish his legacy as the greatest of all time!

WATCH THIS STORY- Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Makes a Huge Assist for Esports Space