Lionel Messi is one step closer to winning a record eighth Ballon d’Or award after being named to the nominee shortlist.
French magazine France Football released the 30-player list for the both the men’s and women’s award Wednesday ahead of the Oct. 30 ceremony where the winners will be announced.
After captaining Argentina to a World Cup title in Qatar, Messi is considered one of the heavy favorites to win the award, given to the world’s best player as voted by a large jury of international journalists. Messi also became the most decorated soccer player in history when he won the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami, giving him 44 trophies for club and country.
