Messi receives big news about Ballon d'Or

Bangla Press Desk: Ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, Argentina captain Lionel Messi has received some good news. The Ballon d'Or authorities have made it clear that the world's best footballer does not have to play for a European club to win this prestigious award.
As a result, Messi's chances of winning his ninth Ballon d'Or remain intact, even though he plays for American club Inter Miami.
There are only two matches left until the end of the World Cup. After the third-place match, Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's high-voltage final to retain the title. In the heat of the field, the discussion about the Ballon d'Or has taken on a new dimension.
At the same time, the organizing authorities have clarified an old idea among football fans about the award in a statement.
Looking back at history, it can be seen that initially the Ballon d'Or was only given to European footballers who played in European leagues. Although the award was made international in 1995, the condition of playing for a European club was still in place. However, since 2007, that rule has been completely abolished.
Since then, the best footballer playing anywhere in the world has been considered for this award.
The Ballon d'Or authorities said in their statement, "We analyzed the last 18 seasons to understand whether it is realistic for a footballer to win the Ballon d'Or while playing outside Europe. Kaka in 2007, Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 and Lionel Messi in 2009 - all three won the UEFA Champions League that year, which is considered the highest competition in club football. Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Rodri and Ousmane Dembele also won the Ballon d'Or, when they all played for European clubs."
The statement also said that only one footballer in history has achieved the unique feat of winning the Ballon d'Or while playing outside Europe, and that is Lionel Messi.
When the 67th Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place on October 30, 2023, the Argentine superstar will already be wearing the Inter Miami jersey. Through this, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi made history as the first male footballer to represent a club outside Europe to win the award. Finally, the organizers added, 'Nothing is impossible in the Ballon d'Or. Technically, any footballer in the world can win the award.'
After this official explanation from the authorities, Messi has risen to the top of the football world's discussion again. The 39-year-old magician is in great form at the ongoing World Cup. He has scored eight eye-catching goals in seven matches so far in the tournament, as well as setting up four more goals for his teammates. Under his magical leadership, the Albiceleste has reached the World Cup final for the second time in a row. Now, if he can shine against Spain in the final, the eight-time world best footballer will take another step towards winning his ninth Ballon d'Or.Source: kaler kontho

BP/TD