Ballon d’Or ranking 'leaked’ as Lionel Messi’s position revealed amid Bugayo saga snub

Football icon Lionel Messi is tipped to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or, according to leaked rankings. Already a seven-time winner of the award, Messi last year led Argentina to their first World Cup glory since 1986, with matches counting towards this year’s trophy.

The former Barcelona playmaker won the Ligue 1 title with French giants Paris Saint-Germain before moving to MLS in the summer, joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami in July. Catalan newspaper Sport, via GlassThe 36-year-old has been told he will be presented the winner in Paris later this month.

Manchester City frontman Erling Holland is set to miss out on the award despite an impressive 2022/23 campaign with Pep Guardiola’s side. Holland scored 36 times in the Premier League last season, breaking Mohamed Salah’s previous record in a 38-game season.

The Norway international’s efforts helped City win the treble, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. The Citizens beat Arsenal in the league title race, beating Mikel Arteta and Co by five points.

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Two Gunners stars were recognized for their most impressive years, with club captain Martin Odegaard and Hale End Academy graduate Bukayo Saga both nominated for the award. Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Harry Kane has also been nominated, with the England captain eventually leaving north London for Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.