Deji WilliamsFootball legend Thierry Henry has weighed in on the heated debate surrounding this year’s Ballon d’Or, making his choice clear—and it doesn’t include Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. The iconic French striker, who knows a thing or two about the prestigious award, has sparked conversations with his selection, leaving many fans surprised as he overlooked one of the brightest young talents in world football.
Henry’s Ballon d’Or Choice
During a recent appearance on CBS Sports, Henry revealed his pick for the Ballon d’Or, praising Lionel Messi as the deserving recipient. After a historic World Cup win with Argentina in 2022, Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, has been tipped by many as the front-runner for the prize, which would be his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or.
“How can you not give it to Messi after what he did in the World Cup?” Henry stated, expressing his admiration for the Argentine legend. For Henry, Messi’s performance in Qatar—where he led Argentina to World Cup glory with clutch goals, match-winning assists, and incredible leadership—solidified his status as the best player of the year.
The Vinicius Junior Snub
While Messi’s World Cup triumph is hard to overlook, Henry’s choice also made headlines because of his decision to snub Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian winger had an exceptional season with Real Madrid, continuing his rise as one of the best players in Europe. Vinicius was instrumental in Madrid’s run to the Champions League semifinals and delivered key performances throughout the domestic campaign.
Despite Vinicius’ brilliance on the field, Henry’s preference for Messi indicates that the World Cup win carries more weight in his evaluation than club achievements alone. “Vinicius is special, there’s no doubt, but what Messi did was on a whole other level,” Henry explained. For him, Messi’s role in ending Argentina’s 36-year wait for a World Cup title stands above the rest.
Messi’s Legacy and the Ballon d’Or Debate
Thierry Henry’s pick reignites the age-old debate over what should weigh most heavily in determining the Ballon d’Or winner: club performance over the course of a season or international success on the biggest stage. For Henry and many others, Messi’s crowning moment in the World Cup is too significant to ignore. The award would be a fitting tribute to Messi’s continued excellence in football, even as he enters the twilight of his career.
On the other hand, Vinicius Junior’s supporters argue that his consistent performances at the club level, especially in major competitions like La Liga and the Champions League, make him a strong candidate for the award. While he may not have the same World Cup achievement as Messi, Vinicius has proven himself as a top player who continues to elevate Real Madrid’s attack.
Conclusion
Thierry Henry’s endorsement of Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or, while snubbing Vinicius Junior, highlights the ongoing conversation about how to assess the award’s criteria. While Vinicius Junior remains a rising star with immense talent, Messi’s World Cup triumph seems to have swayed Henry’s vote. As the Ballon d’Or race heats up, football fans worldwide will be watching closely to see if Messi’s magical run in 2022 is enough to secure him yet another golden trophy. For now, Henry has made his choice clear—Messi remains at the top of the football world.
