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Chelsea icon reveals why Lionel Messi should not be considered for the Ballon d’Or
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf believes Lionel Messi should not be considered for the Ballon d’Or because of a red card he received last season.
The Argentine sensation is up against Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, Romelu Lukaku, Mason Mount, and Jorginho for the prestigious award.
Having won the award six times previously in his career, it is expected that Messi will be among the favorites once again, especially after Argentina’s Copa America victory.
However, Leboeuf has cited an incident in January in which the 34-year-old lashed out at Athletic Club’s Asier Villalibre in the final minutes of the Spanish Supercopa, receiving the first dismissal of his Barcelona career, as the reason he will not win a seventh title.
“In 2000 and 2006, Zidane did not have the Ballon d’Or because he had taken a red card each time,” Leboeuf told Telefoot.
“Messi took a red in the Spanish Supercopa for a punch, that can count. If we didn’t give it to Zizou, we shouldn’t give it to Messi.”
Messi, of course, was sensational for Barcelona last season, finishing with 38 goals and 14 assists in all competitions ahead of a move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
He’s taken a while to get going in Paris, having scored just one goal in five appearances, albeit a stunning strike in a Champions League defeat of Man City at the Parc des Princes.
Meanwhile, Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled out Messi for the Ballon d’Or, claiming that former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema is the more deserving candidate.
Writing on Facebook, the Portuguese said: “Without a doubt, my candidate for the Ballon d’Or is Benzema. The best striker, brutal level for 10 years and champion above all. Don’t you think?”
The winner of the Ballon d’Or 2021 will be announced in late November.
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Chelsea icon reveals why Lionel Messi should not be considered for the Ballon d’Or
