Ballon d’Or: Messi Leads Race for 2023 Award After World Cup Win

• Lionel Messi is already leading the power rankings for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award
• Messi won the World Cup for the first time in his career as Argentina beat France
• The veteran will battle for the prize against PSG teammates Mbappe and Neymar

Lionel Messi is already the top contender for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, following the Argentine’s superb display at the recently concluded 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The 35-year-old captained Argentina to the World Cup trophy, winning the best player award in the tournament for his seven goals in the tournament.

According to Goal, Messi has already notched a total of 24 goals and 18 assists in the 2022/23 season, and can also boast winning the World Cup and the Trophee des Champions.

However, Messi will have to contend for the award in six months with Paris Saint-Germain teammates, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, who also had astounding performances at the Mundial.

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Mbappe bagged the tournament Golden Boot after bagging eight goals for runners-up France, while Neymar played a key role in Brazil’s run to the quarter-finals.

PSG chief on Messi's future

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has opened up on the club’s agreement with Messi to discuss his future at the club, Daily Mirror reports.

The 35-year-old legend was instrumental in Argentina's stunning victory over France in the World Cup final on Sunday, shattering numerous records in the process.

Messi's deal with PSG runs out at the end of the season, but the French champions are desperate to renew the contract of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Neymar congratulates Messi, snubs Mbappe

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Brazil star Neymar took to social media to congratulate his long-time friend Messi, following Argentina's World Cup win in Qatar.

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The veteran striker led his side to their first World Cup trophy since 1986, following an entertaining game at the Lusail Stadium.

It was a game that lived up to its billing, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe and club teammate Messi bringing their A-game.