Lionel Messi won his record eighth Ballon d'Or for the 2022/23 season, honouring in large part his pivotal role in leading Argentina to its first World Cup title since 1986.
As one of the greatest players of all time, Messi's spot atop the Ballon d'Or list cements him as a bona fide legend of world football across the pantheon of the game's greatest players.
Yet Messi's career isn't over, now playing for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami in the United States. As such, it seems possible that he could add to his record with yet more of the game's most coveted individual honour.
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Prior to 2007, the Ballon d'Or could only be won by players representing European clubs. That rule has since been changed and Messi's performances at Inter Miami — and Argentina at the Copa America next summer — will be taken into account when voting for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. However, it feels likely that his time at the pinnacle of the game may well be coming to an end.
The Sporting News explains how the game's greatest player may not win another Ballon d'Or in his career.
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Can Lionel Messi win Ballon d'Or 2024 with Inter Miami?
In 2024, Lionel Messi cannot win the Ballon d'Or as he was not amongst the 30 players nominated by France Football for the award. In fact, it's the first time since 2003 that neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were amongst the nominees.
However, it's still possible for Messi to win the award in the future, even if he sticks with his current MLS club.
The Ballon d'Or, which is awarded by French publication France Football, was originally only eligible to players of European birth playing for European clubs, but that was changed in 1995. That directly led to Liberia international George Weah of AC Milan becoming the first non-European player to win the award.
The rules were then changed again in 2007 to include players from around the globe, meaning Lionel Messi, playing for an American club, can be eligible for consideration regardless of how exceptional or awful he plays.
It also means Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, still may be eligible.
Whether or not Lionel Messi crushes it at Inter Miami, however, there will still be question marks surrounding the league's level of competition. Messi became the first active Ballon d'Or winner from Major League Soccer in 2023, and while it's not impossible for the Argentine to go and win a ninth trophy, it's thought to be highly unlikely.
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How Lionel Messi could win a ninth Ballon d'Or
Despite the fact it is possible that Lionel Messi can win the Ballon d'Or while playing for Inter Miami, it is hard to believe it ever happening.
In order to be considered for another Ballon d'Or in the future, Messi would probably need to play for a European club at some point during the season on which the annual award is judged. It doesn't seem like that's on the cards, as Messi has strongly hinted at Inter Miami being the final club of his career.
This could become a relevant talking point if Messi decides to extend his career to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Given that Messi's 2022/23 Ballon d'Or winning resume largely leans on his 2022 World Cup title run, it's feasible that Messi plays briefly for a European club ahead of or after the 2026 World Cup, so that another potential run could boost his chances at the award.
The same goes for Cristiano Ronaldo, who might consider a brief stint in Europe should Portugal emerge victorious in the 2024 European Championship, so that he could potentially push for another award on the heels of such a run.