Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi has once again been left out of the Ballon d’Or nominations, and while most fans saw it coming, it hasn’t made it any easier to accept.
For the second straight year, both Messi and his rival Cristiano Ronaldo have missed out on the 30-man shortlist released by France Football, organizers of the Ballon d’Or.
It’s only the second time since 2003 that neither name has featured, a clear sign that football’s most dominant era is truly winding down.
For Messi, who last won the Ballon d’Or in 2023, this marks just the second time since 2005 that he’s been left off the list, a small stat with big emotional weight.
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Fan reactions online weren’t angry, but rather quiet, reflective, and tinged with nostalgia.
Even though there were shocks, others just took a collective pause to absorb the moment.
“He’s already done with football. It’s the kids turn to reach for it,” one fan wrote on X.
“It’s okay, we got ours already,” another posted.
The shortlist was dominated by younger stars and high-performing clubs in Europe.
Paris Saint-Germain, who won a historic treble, had nine players nominated, including Dembélé, Donnarumma, Hakimi, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Barcelona and Liverpool followed with four names each, while Real Madrid had three; Kylian Mbappe, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham.
Messi, now playing in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, has remained competitive.
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But with the Ballon d’Or increasingly centered around Europe’s elite competitions, especially the UEFA Champions League, the writing was on the wall.
Read some of the reactions below:
It’s okay, we got ours already pic.twitter.com/mSKcuMgAPS
— Rush (@RushTHFC) August 7, 2025
He’s already done with football. It’s the kids (penaldo, Mbappe etc) turn to reach for it
— TeduaHene Tutu II of Tema (@ghosttweetor) August 7, 2025
bros playing kids football in the MLS raking in the money while not having to work the hardest lol
cant blame him after such a legendary run he had
— Stakit (@stakit_live) August 7, 2025
What’s so surprising about it?
— Sanket (@FCBSol_ket) August 7, 2025
man has 8. he’s not in a top league anymore.
let’s be honest, he can’t be nominated.
and don’t come here defending him, i was a Messi supporter while you were still in your dads balls.— Spiggy (@Spigg1115) August 7, 2025
I don’t think he will care at all😂
— Dave (@Bewhatyoubejr) August 7, 2025
FKA/JE
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