“Reminded Me of… Maradona in 86” – Backing Lionel Messi in Ballon D’Or Race, Thierry Henry Makes a Bold Claim About 2022 World Champions

There has been a lot of talk surrounding the upcoming Ballon d’Or award. While a section of fans have been advocating Lionel Messi, there are fans who believe Erling Haaland is the rightful candidate for the award. French World Cup winner Thierry Henry joined the conversation as he vouched for la Pulga, lifting the coveted award. Henry also lavished massive praise on Argentina’s World Cup-winning side, comparing them to a legendary side from 1986.

Argentina put out their all during the 2022 World Cup to help Lionel Messi win the title that eluded him for his entire career. The side was on fire throughout the tournament as they bounced back to win the entire tournament after facing a shock defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture.

French icon lauds Argentina’s World Cup-winning side

Thierry Henry, during his appearance at CBS Sports, touched down on Argentina’s exploits in the World Cup 2022. The French icon lavished praise on Lionel Messi and Argentina for winning the World Cup when no one expected them to emerge victorious.

“The year of Messi winning the World Cup, scoring I think 18 goals in France and 17 assists or maybe the other way around, I don’t remember actually, and winning the league. Nobody thought he was going to win the World Cup.”

Henry continued that Argentina’s team from 2022 reminded him of Maradona’s team from 1986. “When he won it and how he won it, he was possessed. That team reminded me of the team of Maradona in 86. A team that was fighting for a guy. Do you know what I mean? So you have to give him his credit.” 

Henry, during the show, also advocated Lionel Messi winning the Ballon d’Or this year. The French icon commented that while people would say what they felt, La Pulga surely deserved to win the prestigious award.

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Thierry Henry backs Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or

Earlier during the show, Thierry Henry was asked if he felt like Lionel Messi deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. There has been a lot of debate surrounding the award as of late, with Messi and Erling Haaland in pole positions to win the award. While many fans believe that Erling Haaland deserves to lift the title, there is a section of fans who believe Messi is the right candidate.

“I mean, a lot of people can debate that. For me to win the World Cup, the way he did, you can’t say it’s not deserved if he wins it. A lot of people can pretend and come like the Man City players and some other players can say why not me. But you can’t say it’s not right if he [Lionel Messi] wins it.”

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Despite the conundrum, it has been reported that Lionel Messi has been already informed that he’s winning the coveted award. The Argentinian will become the first player in history to lift the Ballon d’Or while playing for an MLS side. Do you think Lionel Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or? Let us know in the comments below.