Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or a record eight times during his legendary career, but one award has still proved elusive for the Argentine.
The World Cup and four-time Champions League winner is still yet to claim the prestigious Golden Foot prize.
First introduced in 2003, the Golden Foot is aimed at honouring players aged 28 or above.
Messi is remarkably yet to scoop the prize, despite being eligible for the last seven editions.
Inter Miami and Argentina star Lionel Messi will aim to win the Golden Foot for the first time
Cristiano Ronaldo was the winner of the Golden Foot award for 2020 when he was at Juventus
Winners of the award get to add their footprints to a ‘Champions Promenade’ in Monaco
World Cup winning goalkeepers Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas won the award in 2016 and 2017, while striker Edison Cavani was the winner the following year.
Real Madrid star Luka Modric earned the 2019 prize, one year after winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time.
Messi’s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo beat him to the award in 2020, with Mohamed Salah and Robert Lewandowski winning the most recent editions.
Organisers have announced the latest edition of the award will be awarded in the summer, after previously been presented at the end of the calendar year.
Messi will likely be in contention to win the 2023 prize when organisers announce the list of nominations, given he is the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.
The 36-year-old helped PSG secure the Ligue 1 title in his final season at the French club, before moving to MLS side Inter Miami.
Brazil legend Ronaldinho pictured alongside footprints in Monte Carlo after winning in 2009
Ex-Man United star Ryan Giggs is the only British winner after claiming the award back in 2011
Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and former Real Madrid striker Karim are among notable players who are yet to win the award and could be in contention.
The Golden Foot was first awarded to Italian legend Roberto Baggio back in 2003, with Ryan Giggs, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo among notable winners.
Every winner is invited to add their footprints to a ‘Champions Promenade’ in Monaco, where the award ceremony is held.
