Inter Miami and Argentina magician is a blatant victim of Golden Ball's European favoritism.
Father Time may be catching up with the Barcelona icon, but his removal from the 2024 nominees list just doesn't feel fair.
The Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo era is officially ended.
For the first time since 2003, no man has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or.
They have 13 Golden Balls between them in the last 16 years, but barring an extraordinary turn of events, they will most likely never return to football
Most football purists have been awaiting this moment for quite some time.
Both players have transcended the sport with their unique talent and longevity at the very highest level.
What they have achieved may never be matched, which is why a period of mourning is inevitable as Messi and Ronaldo wind down their respective careers.
But in Messi's case, it has come too soon, because the Argentine forward has shown he remains a master of his craft for club
Yes, at the grand old age of 37, he has slowed down a bit
But it is ridiculous that he has not been recognised as one of the 30 best players on the planet.
Picture Puzzle IQ Test: Locate the word "friends" in the birthday party scenario in 5 seconds!