Lionel Messi snubs Jude Bellingham in Ballon d'Or vote ahead of World Cup clash

Lionel Messi made headlines in 2023 when he snubbed Jude Bellingham in Ballon d'Or voting, but the England star still praised the Argentine legend ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash.

What happened at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony?

In 2023, Lionel Messi won his record eighth Ballon d'Or after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. That year, Messi also voted for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best under-21 player. Despite Bellingham's stellar performances, Messi ranked him third behind Jamal Musiala and Pedri.

How did Bellingham respond to Messi's snub?

Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy with 90 points, but he didn’t hold a grudge. When asked about the Ballon d'Or, he praised Messi, saying, 'It's World Cup year and Lionel Messi had a fantastic World Cup, he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.' This showed his respect for the Argentine star.

What’s at stake in the World Cup semi-final?

England and Argentina meet in the World Cup semi-finals, with Messi and Bellingham as key players. Messi leads the scoring charts with eight goals, while Bellingham has set an England record with six. Both stars will battle for a spot in the final against Spain.

Why does this rivalry matter?

The England-Argentina rivalry is one of football’s fiercest. Messi and Bellingham represent their nations’ hopes, making this semi-final a must-watch. Despite past snubs, their mutual respect adds depth to the high-stakes match.