Lionel Messi distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards, and was content to congratulate the winners without referring to the right of one person over another.
For the first time in 21 years, Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo’s name was not present in any of the Ballon d’Or awards, which may be considered the inauguration of a new era in the world of football.
Rodri won the Ballon d’Or at the expense of Vinicius Junior, and there was an Argentine presence through Emiliano Martinez in the Lev Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper in the world.
Messi wrote on his Instagram account, “Congratulations to all the winners of the Ballon d’Or 2024 awards.”
He added, “Special congratulations to Dipo (Emiliano Martinez), how wonderful it is to win the award for the best goalkeeper in the world.”
He concluded, “Congratulations also to Lautaro, it was very nice to see you there, congratulations to everyone.”
Lautaro finished seventh in the final Ballon d’Or rankings after leading Argentina to the Copa America and Inter to the domestic double in Italy.
