“If that were the case, Lionel Messi would have won 13” - Barcelona executive gives bold take on Vinicius Jr Ballon d'Or snub

Barcelona executive Enric Masip has shared his views on Vinicius Jr's Ballon d'Or snub while comparing the situation to that of Lionel Messi. Notably, Real Madrid learned that Vinicius would not win football's most coveted individual award, and they decided to skip the award ceremony entirely.

Los Blancos were certainly not happy about the decision to hand the Ballon d'Or to Manchester City midfielder Rodri. However, Enric Masip explained that talent was not enough to win the award, with the Barcelona executive revealing why Rodri beat Vinicius. He told the media (via Barca Universal):

“Rodri encompasses what the Ballon d’Or is although Vinicius’ level has been very high. But what is valued? If it’s for talent, Vinicius could have won it. If that were the case, Lionel Messi would have won 13.”

Masip also admitted that even Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal could have won the award instead of Vinicius Jr:

“Carvajal? It could be, but no one gives it to a defender. And the scale is not clear. I really like the message that Rodri sends to the children. Not Vinicius."

With Rodri out for the season due to an ACL injury, Vinicius Jr has a chance to establish himself as a frontrunner for next year's award.

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Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or multiple times during his brilliant years at Barcelona

Despite how difficult it has been to win consistent Ballons d'Or, only two players have crossed the three-time mark. In the 80s, Michel Platini notably won the award three times in a row.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award a total of five times, with his last award coming during his stint at Real Madrid. While he beat Platini's overall record, the Portuguese icon never managed more than two consecutive awards.

Messi, on the other hand, broke Platini's records, winning the coveted award four times in a row from 2009 to 2012. The legendary Argentine enjoyed the time of his life at Barcelona, and against all odds, he has won the Ballon d'Or eight times - an unprecedented feat.

His last award came in 2023 after he led Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, the Argentine was not nominated in 2024 despite his exploits with Inter Miami while also leading Argentina to win the Copa America 2024.

Now 37 and playing in the MLS, Lionel Messi is unlikely to win another Ballon d'Or. Time will tell if another player can beat the Barcelona legend's record of eight award wins.