Lionel Messi is yet to win the Golden Foot award already been won by Cristiano Ronaldo and many other footballing legends.
Lionel Messi is on the verge of winning his eighth Ballon d’Or, but he still lacks one medal that Cristiano Ronaldo and a few others have: the Golden Foot.
Following Argentina’s World Cup victory, the 36-year-old has proceeded to adorn his career with individual honors. His recent transition from PSG to Inter Miami could result in him winning the Ballon d’Or while playing outside of Europe. However, according to Sport Bible, he has yet to win the Golden Foot award.
A number of football’s top have won the Golden Foot, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Mohamed Salah, Luka Modric, and Robert Lewandowski.
Only international football players who are at least 29 years old and who have distinguished themselves via their sport—both individually and as a member of a team—with fair play, personality, and public and football expert respect are eligible to win the Golden Foot award.
Messi’s name, on the other hand, has remained a conspicuous omission. Last year’s winner was Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski. He gladly acknowledged its significance, saying (as reported by Sport Bible):
“I’m very happy, I’m very proud. For me, it’s a huge honor to win this award because I know how hard I’ve had to work for this, and now I can be proud of myself. If you see the list of the names, the winners of this trophy, it makes me even more proud.”
The prize has previously swayed in Cristiano Ronaldo’s favor. The Portugal icon won it in 2020, beating Messi and Lewandowski in a ceremony in Turin while still with Juventus.
As Lionel Messi prepares for this year’s Ballon d’Or presentation in Paris, he could also win the Golden Foot. Time will tell if the Argentine magician can win both honors.