Football icon Thierry Henry has sent shockwaves through the sport by making the astonishing claim that his former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi, did not deserve to win every single one of his record eight Ballon d'Or awards.
The Arsenal legend, who now coaches France's Olympic team, made the bombshell revelation while discussing the intense scrutiny surrounding football's most prestigious individual honour. Henry, who was on the voting panel for the 2023 award, confirmed the widely held belief that he did not select Messi for the top spot.
The 2023 Controversy
Last year's award created one of the biggest debates in recent football history. Messi clinched his eighth Ballon d'Or primarily on the back of his inspirational performance in leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. However, many argued that Manchester City's goal machine Erling Haaland, who scored a staggering 52 goals in a treble-winning season, was the more deserving candidate.
"I know what I voted for," Henry stated unequivocally. "The problem is that we have to explain why we vote. I think it should be the same for everyone. I am not going to reveal my vote, it's confidential. But I can confirm, I didn't vote for Messi."
A Deeper Issue with the Voting Process
Henry's criticism extends beyond just the 2023 result. He believes the entire voting system lacks transparency and consistency. The former striker pointed out a fundamental flaw: while he, as a voter for France Football, must keep his choice confidential, captains and coaches from national teams who vote for the FIFA The Best award often publicly reveal their selections.
"For France Football, you can't say what your vote is. For FIFA, you have to," Henry explained, highlighting the confusing double standard. "We need to clarify the rules. Are we judging the best player in the world over the course of a year, or are we judging achievements and trophies? This is a question we need to answer."
Messi's Unprecedented Reign
Despite Henry's comments, Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or dominance is a testament to his otherworldly career. His eight wins stretch from his first in 2009 to his most recent in 2023, putting him three clear of his eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Each award marked a year of exceptional individual brilliance, even if, as Henry suggests, the debate for some years was closer than the result indicated.
This frank assessment from a former teammate and friend adds a fascinating new layer to the perpetual Ballon d'Or conversation, forcing fans and pundits alike to re-examine what the award truly represents.
