The voices in support of an 8th Ballon d'Or for Lionel Messi are getting louder as Ronaldo backs the Argentine.
Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has backed Messi to win an 8th Ballon d'Or ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
This year's award ceremony is slated for October 30 at the Théatre du Châtelet in Paris and will see Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi battle Man City's Haaland for the prestigious award.
Messi really had an outstanding 2022-23, winning the World Cup in Qatar with Argentina, as well as helping former club PSG claim both the French Super Cup and Ligue 1 titles.
Despite the narrative that he was quiet at club level, the 36-year-old was still able to produce 21 goals and 20 assists in 41 matches across all competitions for PSG.
Ronaldo back Messi for Ballon d'Or
Ronaldo, a two-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, and World Cup winner with Brazil, believes Messi is the rightful winner.
"The Ballon d'Or should go to him [Lionel Messi], without a doubt," Ronaldo said via Sportskeeda.
"What Messi did in the World Cup was special. It reminded me of the campaigns of Pelé and Maradona."
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