FANS of Lionel Messi have shot to social media to declare their fury over the legend’s Ballon d’Or snub.
The 35-year-old left Barcelona last summer to join Paris Saint-Germain before winning the coveted prize again for a record seventh time at the end of 2021.
Despite a slow start, he still finished with 14 goals and produced 16 assists in 36 matches for PSG.
He also lifted two pieces of silverware during his first campaign in Paris, winning both the Coupe de France and Ligue 1 title.
However, that was not enough for him to be considered again for this year’s Ballon d’Or crown.
Messi was not part of the 30-man shortlist released earlier today – and his legion of supporters were furious.
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After he was not included on the initial list for the first time since 2005, they took to Twitter to show their disgust.
And many were particularly irked to see that his great rival and five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo did make the cut.
That is despite the fact that he failed to win any silverware during his first year back at Manchester United.
Following the news that Messi’s name was not on the shortlist for the first time since 2005, one fan tweeted: “Wtf man they can include ronaldo but not messi????? This is f***in robbery this utter disrespect.”
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Another agreed, saying: “No excuse needed. Not giving the best striker award and Messi not in top 30 just proved what majority professional players and we were claiming. Straight up Robbery.”
A fellow supporter commented: “If Messi and Neymar is not in the Ballon d’Or nominees the award is officially finished.”
Another fan said: “Messi wasn’t nominated lmfaoooo wtf.”
While another tweeted: “Robbery of joke award no longer credible.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
