Lionel Messi to match Cristiano Ronaldo with prestigious award that Al Nassr star won in 2020

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Lionel Messi could soon be adding another prestigious trophy to his already remarkable collection, joining his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive club of football legends.

The Argentine superstar is reportedly the frontrunner to win the elusive Golden Foot award, a trophy that Ronaldo secured back in 2020. Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the football world for over two decades, sparking constant debates over who is the superior player.

Their trophy hauls, individual accolades, and staggering statistics are often compared, with both players widely regarded as two of the greatest to ever play the game. However, this October marks a historic moment as neither player is nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or for the first time in 21 years.

Despite sharing the coveted award 13 times between them, Messi and Ronaldo now turn their focus to other honors as their careers progress into new phases. One such accolade is the Golden Foot award, which Messi has yet to win but is now heavily tipped to claim.

What Is the Golden Foot Award?

The Golden Foot Award, established in 2003, recognizes football legends who continue to perform at an elite level in the latter stages of their careers. The award is unique as it is reserved for players aged 28 and above, acknowledging both longevity and ongoing impact in the sport.

The inaugural recipient of the award was Italian football legend Roberto Baggio. Over the years, some of the biggest names in football, such as Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta, Luka Modric, and others, have left their mark by winning the coveted prize.

The Golden Foot trophy is awarded by the Monaco royal family, and the winner is not only honored with the Golden Foot trophy but also allowed to leave a permanent mold of their footprints on "The Champions Promenade" along Monaco's picturesque seafront.

Messi, now 36 and playing for Inter Miami, has never won this particular award. Ronaldo, however, won the Golden Foot in 2020, followed by Mohamed Salah in 2021 and Robert Lewandowski in 2022.

Golden Foot 2024: Nominees

After a one-year hiatus, the Golden Foot Award is set to return in 2024, and Messi is widely seen as the frontrunner. This year, for the first time, the winner will be decided by a panel of professionals rather than a public vote, ensuring a more curated selection process.

The list of 2024 nominees features some of the biggest names in world football, including Marco Verratti, Neymar, Virgil van Dijk, Harry Kane, Thomas Muller, Kevin De Bruyne, Karim Benzema, and Lautaro Martínez. With Messi leading as most favourite, this could be the moment when the Argentine legend adds the elusive Golden Foot award to his glittering collection.