Messi competes for the Ballon d’Or award

24/09/2025 19:01:00 GoalGuru

Lionel Messi is poised for another chance to be honored at the Ballon d’Or as Inter Miami is nominated in a new category.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony concluded successfully, with attention focused on Ousmane Dembele, the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or. However, one category remains undisclosed, as fans will vote directly to decide the winner. This is where Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or champion, continues to be in the running.

Specifically, the Best Goal of the Year award will become the 14th title in the Ballon d’Or system, celebrating the most impressive team goals worldwide. Among the nominees is Jordi Alba’s goal for Inter Miami against New York Red Bulls in July, assisted by a precise pass from Messi.

A flawless assist if we’ve ever seen one.

Messi sets up Alba for a BEAUTIFUL goal. 1-1. pic.twitter.com/vebOneh65Q
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 20, 2025

Messi competes for the Best Goal of the Year award. Video: X MLS

Also nominated are Andreas Pereira’s goal for Brazil in the World Cup qualifier against Peru, and Desire Doue’s stunning strike that gave PSG a 3-0 lead over Inter in the 2025 Champions League final.

Kylian Mbappe is also featured for his goal with Real Madrid in the European knockout stage against Man City. Additionally, young talent Lamine Yamal from Barcelona is nominated for his goal for Spain in the dramatic 5-4 UEFA Nations League semifinal win over France.

The winner of the Best Goal of the Year award will be announced on September 26, with Messi, Mbappe, Yamal, and many other stars awaiting to see if they can add more glory to their personal trophy collections.

Regarding Messi, the Argentine superstar holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or titles in football history, having been honored 8 times. He began this record streak in 2009, then dominated consecutively in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Messi later added titles in 2015, 2019, 2021, and most recently in 2023.

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