Rivals for the Ballon d’Or: Could Lionel Messi award the top individual trophy to the first-ever MLS victor in a weak field?

The competition to become the 2023–24 winner is already well under way.

Since the European domestic season is now completed and UEFA Euro 2024 and this summer’s Copa America have joined the UEFA Champions League, focus will inevitably shift to the 2023–24 Ballon d’Or winner. There isn’t a clear favorite to have won it all, even if a league championship, domestic cup success, and a triumph in Europe are the perfect club level combinations that can be paired with an international victory at either major tournament. The closest thing to that ideal combo would probably be Real Madrid representatives, yet even Los Blancos failed to win a domestic cup. So, the recipient of this next award may turn out to be someone other than the projected favorites.

Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid and England

Rodri: Manchester City and Spain

Toni Kroos: Real Madrid and Germany

Kylian Mbappe: PSG (now Real Madrid) and France

Lionel Messi: Inter Miami and Argentina

Vinicius Junior: Real Madrid and Brazil

James Rodriguez: Sao Paulo and Colombia

Lautaro Martinez: Inter and Argentina

Dani Carvajal: Real Madrid and Spain