Lionel Messi is the rightful winner of the Ballon d'Or after guiding Argentina to World Cup success last year, ex-Real Madrid star Eden Hazard says.

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• Messi aiming to win Ballon d'Or
• Guided Argentina to World Cup win
• Hazard says Inter Miami star deserves it

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Messi is seen as one of the top candidates to win the prize in a ceremony in Paris on Monday. The Inter Miami star's leading role in Argentina's journey to the World Cup title in Qatar last year has sparked many calls for the 36-year-old to be given a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, Messi faces competition from Erling Haaland following his role in Manchester City's European and English treble triumph. Kylian Mbappe is also seen as a real challenger given he helped fire France to the World Cup final and scored a hat-trick in the decider that they ultimately lost to Argentina.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Hazard claims Messi is the only one who deserves it this year, though, telling : “It wouldn’t be logical to not give the Ballon d’Or to the best player in history in the year that he won the World Cup."

  Had the final in Qatar gone differently, however, the former Belgium and Chelsea attacker says PSG's star forward would be the right winner, adding: "And if the World Cup changes for France, Kylian has the Golden Ball. Without a doubt, 100 per cent!"

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  The winner of the award will be announced on Monday in a ceremony in the French capital.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News