Lionel Messi sent text message to congratulate Rodri after he won 2024 Ballon d’Or ahead of Vinicius Jr: Reports
Lionel Messi sent a message to Ballon d'Or 2024 winner Rodri to congratulate him on the win, according to Manchester City insider Tolmie's Hairdoo. The Spanish midfielder won the coveted award at the Theatre du Chatelet on Monday, October 28.
This year's ceremony was not short of controversies. Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr was tipped as the favorite for the big prize in the build-up to the gala. The Brazilian forward was outstanding for Real Madrid last season, scoring 24 goals and setting up 11 more in 39 games across competitions.
He won the LaLiga, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana, but lost to Rodri. Los Blancos were furious about the result and their entire delegation skipped the ceremony in Paris to show solidarity with Vinicius.
However, Lionel Messi was quick to acknowledge Rodri. The Argentine ace was not included in the shortlist for the award this year, despite winning the Copa America over the summer.
However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner showed his sporting side by congratulating Rodri, who had a fantastic season with club and country.
Rodri won the UEFA Super Cup and the Premier League with Manchester City, scoring nine goals and setting up 14 more from 50 games across competitions.
He then guided Spain to the Euro 2024 title. Rodri is the first defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or since Lothar Matthaus in 1990.
When did Lionel Messi last win the Ballon d'Or?
Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or last year, following his historic 2022 World Cup win with Argentina. In the process, he became the first active MLS player to lift the coveted prize.
The diminutive Argentine left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after they failed to renew his deal. Following a two-year stay with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he won his seventh Ballon d'Or, Messi moved to the MLS last year.
The 37-year-old has changed Inter Miami's fortunes since arriving at the Chase Stadium. Last season, Messi won the Leagues Cup, the club's first trophy in their history.
This season, he has already helped them win the Supporters' Shield. Messi has registered 20 goals and 11 assists from 20 MLS and MLS Playoff Cup games combined for the Herons. He now has his eyes on the MLS Cup.