British magazine FourFourTwo compiled a list of 10 biggest "robberies" in the history of the Ballon d'Or award. Argentine forward Lionel Messi is mentioned in three of the ten most controversial episodes.
Robert Lewandowski, who should have won the award instead of Messi in 2021 and in 2020, comes first in the top 10. Second is Thierry Henry, who, according to FourFourTwo, deserved the Ballon d'Or more than Pavel Nedvěd in 2003 and Andriy Shevchenko in 2004.
FourFourTwo editors also believe that Wesley Sneijder should have won the prize instead of Messi in 2010 and Virgil Van Dijk in 2019.
Earlier, British journalist Piers Morgan said that Messi undeservedly won the Ballon d'Or award in 2023. The Argentine himself said that he does not consider himself the best footballer in history.
Recall, on Monday, October 30, Lionel Messi received his eighth Ballon d'Or in his career.
