In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or voting strategy has exposed an unprecedented act of sportsmanship towards his greatest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Vote That Changed Everything
During the prestigious 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, while Messi was collecting his record-extending eighth award, few knew about the seismic shift occurring behind the scenes. The Argentine maestro, serving as captain of the World Cup-winning Argentine national team, had voting rights that would rewrite the narrative of football's most famous rivalry.
Messi's Surprising Choices
According to documents obtained by the Mirror, Messi's five-point vote went to Manchester City's goal machine Erling Haaland, while his four-point selection raised eyebrows across the globe. Instead of choosing teammates or familiar rivals, Messi placed Cristiano Ronaldo in second position—a move that speaks volumes about their evolving relationship.
The Complete Voting Breakdown
- 5 points: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- 4 points: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
- 3 points: Kylian Mbappé (PSG)
- 2 points: Marcelo Brozović (Al-Nassr)
- 1 point: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Ronaldo's Reaction to the Snub
The Portuguese superstar, who finished a distant 23rd in the overall voting—his lowest position since 2005—had previously made his feelings clear about the award's credibility. Following his absence from the top three in 2022, Ronaldo famously claimed he'd "stopped caring about individual awards years ago," yet his social media activity suggested otherwise.
A Rivalry Transformed
This voting revelation comes at a fascinating juncture in both players' careers. While Messi continues to collect accolades in MLS with Inter Miami, Ronaldo is rewriting record books in the Saudi Pro League. The gesture suggests a newfound mutual respect between two legends who dominated world football for over fifteen years.
What This Means for Football History
Football historians and pundits are already analysing the significance of Messi's vote. Some see it as the ultimate sign of respect, while others interpret it as acknowledgement of Ronaldo's enduring quality despite playing outside Europe's top leagues.
The beautiful game has witnessed many memorable moments between these two icons, but Messi's ballot might just be the most telling chapter yet in their extraordinary shared history.
