Felipe Melo, the former Juventus star and current Fluminese midfielder, contends that Lionel Messi rightfully earned the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking to TyC Sports, the former Brazil international, now with Fluminense and a recent Copa Libertadores titleholder at the age of 40, remarked that he has witnessed Lionel Messi’s continual improvement. Impressed with Messi’s recent performances, he confidently labels him as the ‘best in the world.’
The superstar from Inter Miami recently secured his eighth Ballon d’Or, setting an unprecedented record in world soccer. Additionally, he celebrated a triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. During his inaugural MLS season with Inter Miami, he not only guided the Herons to victory in the inaugural Leagues Cup but also clinched the Golden Boot in the tournament. He marked his MLS debut with a remarkable free-kick goal and contributed 10 more goals throughout the competition.
Felipe Melo said: “Messi doesn’t have the speed he had a few years ago, but he has much more vision of the game and better things than before. He’s still the best player in the world. It’s crazy. That’s why he won the Ballon d’Or.”
On Tuesday evening, Brazil and Argentina are poised for a face-off in FIFA World Cup qualifying, and Messi is anticipated to be a key player in the match. In contrast, Melo is no longer part of the Selecao, and his season concluded with a Libertadores title. At the age of 40, the future remains uncertain for Melo, but his contract with the South American side extends until 2024.
