Lionel Messi failed to make the shortlist of 30 Ballon d’Or nominees this year, but Harry Kane feels the Argentine is the best player in the world.
Lionel Messi continues to dominate the football world. He recently led Inter Miami to the Supporters Shield in his first full season with the club. The Argentine superstar has been in incredible form, and despite leaving Europe, his astonishing form has not diminished much. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored hat-tricks in the last two games: one against Bolivia in World Cup qualifying and another against the New England Revolution in MLS.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped Miami break the MLS single-season points record following its 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution. Miami (22-4-8, 74 points) broke the previous mark of 73 points, set by the 2021 Revolution squad.
Messi, who won last year’s Ballon d’Or, failed to make the shortlist of 30 this year after leaving European football, but England captain Harry Kane still feels the Argentine is the best player in the world.
Kane was quick to name-drop Messi, saying the recent Copa America winner is still playing at the highest level. “Lionel Messi. He’s had a fantastic Copa America again and he’s still playing at a really high level,” Kane said.
Meanwhile, after scoring a hat-trick against Bolivia, Messi dropped a bombshell by claiming he is in the final phase of his career, although he assured he has not set any deadline for his future.
“I haven’t set any date or deadline for my future, I’m just enjoying all of this. I’m more emotional than ever and receiving all the love from the people because I know that these could be my last matches,” Messi told reporters.
He also spoke about the current phase of his career with the Argentine team, where he is surrounded by younger teammates.
“It’s a joy to be present and appreciate this moment. Being surrounded by younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again,” Messi said. “I find myself doing silly things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I keep that feeling and can continue to contribute to the team, I plan to be here enjoying [the national team].”
