Lionel Messi finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, while fellow Argentine Lautaro Martínez placed 22nd, according to the published standings for the prestigious individual football award.
Messi has come up just behind winner Harry Kane and runner-up Kylian Mbappé, third and fourth-placed Lamine Yamal and Rodri. The Argentine was eliminated from the top four, but still finished in front of a number of leading players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Michael Olise and Fabián Ruiz.
Messi remains the top player in world football with the fifth position in the rankings. But the outcome saw Kane take the top prize for the Bayern Munich striker’s reported ‘outstanding’ campaign.
The reported standings had Lautaro Martínez finishing in 22nd place, behind William Pancho (20th) and Gabriel (21st). The Inter Milan striker was still superior to other top foreign talents recognized. The rest of the squad, from Nuno Mendes to William Saliba and Sadio Mané, Julian Quiñones to Luis Díaz, were all lower than Martínez.
The two Argentines are at opposite ends of the spectrum in the contest for football’s biggest individual prize. Messi’s fifth place finish meant that he was nearer to the top of the pack, whilst Martínez’s finish was a reflection of a different status in the overall pack.
The Ballon d’Or rankings are of interest because they reflect a player’s recognition over a whole season, when the club could influence the player’s opinion of his importance, and international football may also affect his standing. Messi’s latest success will be the latest in his impressive trophy tally. The 22nd place finish serves as a marker for Martínez as he will keep playing for Inter Milan and Argentina.
