New Delhi: The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi did not find himself on the 30-man shortlist for the very first time since 2005.

Messi went ahead of Poland striker Robert Lewandowski by a bare margin for the Ballon d’Or last year. But Leo had an underwhelming campaign for PSG last season and failed to live up to the expectations at Parc des Princes after moving from Barcelona.

After securing a sensational and overall really emotional move from Barcelona, Messi failed to hit the strings in France. Despite his club winning the Ligue 1 title, the Argentine failed to get nominated for the Golden Ball. Messi scored a mere 11 goals and 15 assists across all competitions for PSG last season.

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The 66th edition of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award will take place earlier than its predecessors due to a change in format from this season. The Ballon d’Or is presented and nominated by France Football, and voted on by international journalists. The prestigious Golden Ball will be awarded for the performances of footballers over a full season. Previously, the prize was awarded for the players’ displays in a calendar year.

Up until now, Ballon d’Or 2021 was won by Messi who now has a record seven titles on his trophy cabinet. In second place is Cristiano Ronaldo with a total of five, having last won it in 2017.

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