Lionel Messi predicted 4 players to be Ballon d'Or winners last year; didn't include Real Madrid star who is leading candidate for 2024 award

Lionel Messi had not included Jude Bellingham in his future Ballon d'Or winners list when he made the prediction last year. He named Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr as his top picks, with Barcelona's Lamine Yamal coming in fourth.

Speaking to the media after winning the Ballon d'Or last year, Messi stated that there were a few good players who could win the award soon. He said, via SPORTbible:

"[Erling] Haaland, [Kylian] Mbappe, Vinicius and many young players can compete for Ballon d’Or in the next years. I also think that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young and plays for Barcelona, will play a prominent role and fight for it in the future too."

Jude Bellingham is currently the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or this year following an impressive season with Real Madrid. He has jumped ahead of his teammate Vinicius Jr after helping England reach the EURO 2024 semifinal, while Brazil crashed out of Copa America.

Jude Bellingham not worried about Ballon d'Or after Lionel Messi snub

Jude Bellingham spoke to media in May and stated that he was not thinking about individual awards. The Englishman opined that the Ballon d'Or was for forwards and backed his good friend Vinicius Jr to win it this year.

He said, via SPORTbible:

"I'm not really too fussed about it. I always thought the Ballon d’Or and those sorts of things were for the strikers, the wingers and the flashy players. I know I can entertain the crowd, but no-one can do it like Vini. When he's at his best, I think he's the best player in the world. I know he likes to say the same about me, and that's the kind of relationship we have."

He added:

"You don't always have to be friends with your teammates, but it helps when you can be so close off the pitch as well. And then, on the pitch, it reflects. We have a good understanding of each other's movements. To be honest, if he was to win it, I'd feel just as proud as if I won it, because I know I've helped contribute to the success."

The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 28 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.