Lionel Messi has named the four players he believes will vie for the Ballon d’Or in the future years.
For the past 15 years, the honor has been dominated by the Argentine playmaker and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Last night in Paris, the Inter Miami player achieved a new record by earning his ninth accolade, increasing his lead over his Portuguese adversary.
He beat out Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe to win the honor.
When asked who he believes will be the next winner of the prize, Messi told L’Equipe, ‘For a few years, we have seen players who can win it come through.
‘With players like Haaland, Mbappé, and Vinicus Juinor, it might be a closely fought position in the coming years.
‘There are several young players who will compete for the Ballon d’Or. I also believe that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young but has already played extremely well for Barcelona and has established himself as a vital player, may contend.
‘With other players yet to come, there will undoubtedly be others who will compete for it as well. It will usher in a new era.’
