Argentina star makes Messi vow ahead of Ballon d'Or - 'Not a big deal'

Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister claims that the Ballon d'Or "isn't a big deal for Lionel Messi" with the 39-year-old again in contention for the individual accolade.

Messi, who has won the Golden Ball a record eight times, is among the nominees for the award, which will be handed out in London later this year. The legendary forward fell narrowly short in his pursuit of a second World Cup as Argentina lost to Spain in the final this summer.

The Argentine plies his trade with Inter Miami in the MLS, meaning his hopes of winning largely rested on his international exploits. Whilst nominated, Messi is not among the favourites to scoop the award.

Instead he finds himself behind the likes of Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe in the minds of many, and whilst Mac Allister would love to see him with it, the Liverpool ace doesn't think Messi would be bothered by the result.

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He said: "As Argentines we'd love for Messi to win it. He had an incredible World Cup and I don't see why he shouldn't be awarded it. Also, it's understood that these days the numbers play a big part - something that didn't carry as much weight in the past - and you don't know exactly what people are voting for either.

"But everyone in the running is a great player; anyone who comes close will deserve it. We all know that Leo has always prioritised the team over individual achievements, so it wouldn't be a big deal for him."

Last month Messi called time on his international career, claiming he has "nothing left to give", ending his Argentina spell with a World Cup and two Copa Americas.

His international exploits have helped him claim the Ballon d'Or in recent years, winning it in 2023 off the back of his World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Spain were crowned world champions in the summer and that has put the likes of Yamal and Rodri, winner of the Ballon d'Or in 2024, in contention. Yamal also claimed La Liga with Barcelona, but compatriot Rodri was named as the best player at the World Cup.

Kane is looking to become the first Englishman to win the award since 2001. He broke numerous records with a Bayern Munich team that dominated in Germany, but lost in the last four of the Champions League. Kane's World Cup hopes were also ended at the semi-finals.

Kylian Mbappe, fresh from becoming the record goalscorer at World Cups, is also in the running, but endured a trophyless season with Real Madrid.