"I always thought the Ballon d'Or was Messi and Cristiano" - Pep Guardiola names favorite for 2024 Ballon d'Or

Pep Guardiola has revealed his pick for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi left out of the nominations for the first time since 2006. The legendary duo won a combined 13 Golden Balls, with the Argentine legend racking up eight.

However, their era of domination now appears to be over, with Ronaldo playing in Saudi Arabia and Messi in the Major League Soccer. The tides have seemingly turned, with younger players being nominated for the prestigious award. The list of 30 include seven Real Madrid players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.

However, for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, the award should go to his player Rodri. In an interview with TNT Sports, the tactician explained the reason for his pick (via Eurosport):

“Because he’s the best. You tell me this; that’s how I will answer. I always thought the Ballon d’Or was Messi and Cristiano. You still see, the age that they are, Messi scoring three goals for his national team.

“Rodri. If I could decide, I would say that. I understand that there are other players that can win it. I think the other way is being nominated and being there is already nice.”

The Manchester City midfielder has been a vital part of the club's successes in recent years. Last season, he helped them win the Premier League title for the fourth time in a row. Rodri was also instrumental for his country, as Spain won Euro 2024.

Time will tell if he will win the Ballon d'Or, which will be presented at the ceremony later today (October 28).

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Ballon d'Or chief makes controversial claim about Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been beaten in the Golden Ball race by Lionel Messi

Ballon d'Or chief and France Football editor Vincent Garcia has hinted at Ronaldo's absence at the ceremony today. Despite an invitation to all former Golden Ball winners, the legendary Portuguese striker is not expected to show up.

He has failed to win the coveted award since 2017, and has not been nominated since 2022. Vincent Garcia revealed that this might have put the Al-Nassr superstar off from going for the ceremony, telling The Times (via talkSPORT):

"Winners have the right to come back to all future ceremonies but they don't all come, some are very upset with us."

Garcia also claimed that Ronaldo hasn't voted for the Kopa Trophy for two years in a row, an award given to the best under-21 footballer.

"I don't know for certain Cristiano is. I don't talk to him directly, but I know for example that former winners vote for the Kopa Trophy - for the best young player - and Cristiano didn't vote last year and he didn't vote this year," he said.

Lionel Messi notably won the Ballon d'Or last year, but it is uncertain if he will make it for the award ceremony this year, especially as he has not been nominated. Based on Garcia's words, an invitation will have been extended to the Argentine legend, but time will tell if he opts to grace them with his presence.