Former Chelsea star, Frank Leboeuf, has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi should not be considered for Ballon d’Or this year due to a red card picked up last season during his time at Barcelona.
Messi was named in the 2021 Ballon d’ Or 30-man nominees some days ago.
The Argentina captain will battle the likes of Chelsea stars, Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, Romelu Lukaku, Mason Mount and Jorginho, Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo among others for the Ballon d’ Or this year.
Messi has already won the Ballon d’ Or for a record six times in the past.
Speaking to Telefoot, Leboeuf said: “In 2000 and 2006, Zidane did not have the Ballon d’Or because he had taken a red card each time.
“Messi took a red in the Spanish Supercopa for a punch, that can count. If we didn’t give it to Zizou, we shouldn’t give it to Messi.”
The winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or will be announced on November 29.
