Lionel Messi has been the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or ever since the nominees were announced in September.
The ex-Barcelona man led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, almost single-handedly, scoring 7 goals and providing three assists.
According to Spanish media outlet SPORT, Messi will be awarded his 8th Ballon d’Or ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who helped his club to a treble, and Kylian Mbappe who was the World Cup’s Golden Boot winner.
Mbappe led France expertly in Qatar, even scoring a hat-trick in the final against Argentina, only to lose the trophy on penalties in an epic clash.
However, Messi stands shoulders above the rest and will now reportedly be crowned the World’s best once again.
