Lionel Messi Makes MLS History With 2023 Ballon d’Or Award Nomination, Matches David Beckham’s Feat
- Lionel Messi became the first active MLS player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or since David Beckham in 2007
- Messi will be judged based on his performances for Paris Saint-Germain and Argentinaduring the 2022-23 season
- Messi is tipped to win his record eighth Ballon d’Or award after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cuptitle
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Lionel Messi made history on Wednesday, becoming the first active MLS player to be shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or award since David Beckham accomplished the feat in 2007.
The Argentine star was named as one of the nominees for the 2023 award.
He will become the first active MLS player to capture the Ballon d’Or should he land the award on October 30.
Messi matches Beckham's rare featAccording to The Athletic, Beckham was the last MLS player to be nominated for the prize. He made the shortlist back in 2007, three months after he moved from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy.
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FootballThis year’s Ballon d’Or is judged on players’ performances from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. He only played two games for Inter Miami during that period as he made his switch to the MLS side in late July.
That means the award will be based on Messi’s performances for Argentina and PSG.
When Beckham was nominated for the award back in 2007, the Ballon d’Or was judged on performances during that calendar year.
Ballon d'Or winners who played in MLSMessi led Argentina to the WorldCup title in December 2022, scoring seven goals in that tournament. He was named the World Cup's best player after Argentina beat France in a penalty shootout in the
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