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Eden Hazard explains why Lionel Messi must win Ballon d’Or ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
Former Real Madrid player Eden Hazard believes that Lionel Messi is the deserving recipient of the Ballon d’Or, primarily due to his pivotal role in guiding Argentina to a World Cup victory last year.
Messi is considered one of the top candidates for the Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded in a ceremony in Paris. Many have called for the 36-year-old Inter Miami star to be awarded the prestigious honor for his leadership in Argentina’s successful World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Despite the competition, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe being mentioned as contenders, Messi’s contribution to Argentina’s World Cup triumph has strengthened his claim to a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or. Messi’s remarkable achievements in international and club football have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats.
Hazard claims Messi is the only one who deserves it this year, though, telling Telefoot: “It wouldn’t be logical to not give the Ballon d’Or to the best player in history in the year that he won the World Cup.”
Had the final in Qatar gone differently, however, the former Belgium and Chelsea attacker says PSG’s star forward would be the right winner, adding: “And if the World Cup changes for France, Kylian has the Golden Ball. Without a doubt, 100 per cent!”
At a ceremony in the French capital on Monday, the winner of the award will be revealed.