Lionel Messi could be awarded rare Super Ballon d'Or - but only in 2029

Lionel Messi could be awarded the Super Ballon d’Or at the end of the decade.

It has been widely reported that Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July, has been told that he will win the Ballon d’Or for a record-extending eighth time at a ceremony in Paris on Monday.

The Argentine has been tipped to beat off competition from treble-winning Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to claim the award after inspiring Argentina to their first World Cup win since 1986 last December.

But there is one individual award Messi is still yet to have won - the Super Ballon d’Or.

The exclusive accolade, awarded to the finest men’s player of the past three decades, has only been handed out once, in 1989.

Back then the winner was Alfredo Di Stefano, who netted 308 goals and claimed 17 trophies and two Ballon d’Ors across his illustrious Real Madrid career.

Di Stefano was selected in a vote involving fans, a France Football jury and previous winners of the Ballon d’Or.

Second place went to Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, who won the Ballon d’Or on three occasions, in 1971, 1973 and 1974.

Michel Platini came third, having scooped the Ballon d’Or in three successive years between 1983 and 1985.

Of course, at the time only European players were eligible for the trophy, meaning the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona were not considered.

As per AS, there has been speculation that the Super Ballon d’Or could be awarded again in 2029, and if so, Messi is likely to be the clear favourite.

Excluding Monday night’s expected victory the Argentine has won seven Ballon d’Ors across three decades, claimed four Champions League trophies, 10 La Liga titles and won a World Cup and Copa America with his national side.

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