Ballon d’Or: Bellingham Rated Above Vini, Messi to Sneak In As Ex Barcelona Star Makes Predictions

• The race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or is heating up, with the Euros and Copa America set to be the deciders
• Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior were tipped as initial frontrunners for the top prize
• But it appears Lionel Messi might have a slim chance, should he win the Copa America with Argentina

Jude Bellingham is currently the frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, edging out Vinicius Junior. However, Lionel Messi could take the lead if he wins the Copa America, according to Arturo Vidal.

The former Barcelona star believes that this year's race for the Ballon d'Or award is still wide open, with any of the perceived three contenders having a chance to claim the prestigious golden ball.

A list of Champions League winners who also won the Ballon d’Or

Football

Vidal has personally tipped Bellingham to win the Golden Ball, provided he continues to perform well at the ongoing European Championship.

Who wins the 2024 Ballon d'Or: Bellingham, Vinicius, or Messi?

Despite struggling to replicate his club form at the Euros, the 20-year-old did shine in England's opening match against Serbia, earning the man-of-the-match title and scoring the winning goal.

Similarly, Vinicius Junior, another top contender for the Ballon d'Or, has yet to make a significant impact at the Copa America with Brazil.

The 23-year-old was substituted in the second half after an underwhelming performance in Brazil's frustrating 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in their Group D opener, per GOAL.

With many games still left in both tournaments, fans and pundits are questioning the validity of Bellingham and Vinicius as leading Ballon d'Or candidates.

Manchester United star hits out at Mbappe for claiming winning Euros is harder than the World Cup

Football

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, with eight Ballons d'Or to his name, is being given an outside chance to win a ninth if he can lead Argentina to victory in the Copa America.

Arturo Vidal names Ballon d'Or favourite

Vidal, sharing his thoughts on the Ballon d'Or race, dismissed Vini's chances, stating that he is 'missing a lot'.

However, he favoured Bellingham, drawing comparisons between himself and the young Englishman, and believing that Bellingham's performances could secure him the prestigious award.

"He may be in the top 10, but not for me, he’s missing a lot. Jude Bellingham, on the other hand, can win it. I like the guy - he scores, he takes the ball, he does it all. I see myself in him," the 37-year-old said, as quoted by Tribuna.

He also hinted that despite being the favourite, Jude could still miss out on football's ultimate individual prize to the most decorated player in Ballon d'Or history, Messi.

Ronaldinho back tracks on 'not watching' Brazil comments, promises to support 'like never before'

Football

"For Madrid, he was the best. But he has to play well in the Euros. Otherwise, [if Argentina wins Copa America] Messi could step in."

Messi names 4 players to win Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief also previously reported on Messi naming four Ballon d'Or contenders he believes will contend for the prize.

The Barcelona icon named Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe as favourites for the award, as well as Vini and Lamine Yamal.