The authoritative French publication L'Equipe explained why PSG striker Lionel Messi did not make it to the list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2022.
L'Equipe notes that the reason for this was Messi's unclear first season at PSG. Lionel had a bad form, he scored six goals in the French championship and was eliminated together with the Champions League team at the round of 16.
Lionel Messi is a seven-time winner of the Ballon d'Or. The forward is the current winner of the world player of the season award.
As a reminder, the Golden Ball award ceremony will take place on October 17, 2022.