Patrice Evra has claimed that he is "sick" of Lionel Messi winning the Ballon d'Or, ahead of the awarding of the 2021 trophy - scheduled to take place next month.
The former Manchester United defender instead wants to see some Premier League stars get handed the prestigious accolade, rather than a player who has won it on six previous occasions.
Over the past decade, the Ballon d'Or has almost exclusively been shared between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with the only exception being Luka Modric's surprise win in 2018.
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While Messi is far from certain to win a seventh this time around, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho also heavily fancied, he is still among the favourites.
And yet, according to Evra, neither the Argentine, nor former teammate Ronaldo, should be allowed to maintain their stranglehold on the Ballon d'Or for another year.
"In my opinion this Ballon d'Or is for Kante or Jorginho... I'm sick of giving it to Messi," Evra recently claimed.
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"What did he win last year? Okay, the Copa America. With Barcelona what did he do?"
Messi helped guide Barcelona to a Copa Del Rey victory at the back end of last season but was helpless to prevent a Champions League elimination to PSG - or the loss of their La Liga crown.
The 34-year-old was then allowed to join PSG on a free transfer, but aside from a sensational strike against Manchester City in the Champions League, the forward is yet to rediscover his best form in France.
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Even so, his current club manager - and fellow countryman - Mauricio Pochettino thinks that he is still the clear candidate for this year's Ballon d'Or.
Jorginho may have helped Chelsea to a Champions League triumph, and Italy to a Euro 2020 title, but the former Spurs boss is unwavering in his Messi advocacy.
Pochettino told El Partidazo de COPE: "The Ballon d'Or should go to Messi without any doubt."
"And if I didn't coach Messi, I would still say Messi. I answer with my heart. I always say what I feel. On the podium with him would have to be [Robert] Lewandowski and Cristiano."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Ligue 1, Lionel Messi, Patrice Evra, Ballon d'Or