10 famous footballers who feel Lionel Messi should not win Ballon d'Or in 2021

#7 John Terry

Chelsea legend John Terry has locked horns with six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi many times during his playing career. Being a proper Chelsea man through and through, it isn't a surprise to see him opt against choosing Lionel Messi for the 2021 Ballon d'Or.

Terry has backed former Chelsea team-mate N'Golo Kante for the highly-coveted award, stating the Frenchman is so underrated and humble. Speaking to Stadium Astro, Terry stated:

“Kante’s like 11 players on his own. What he does, he goes so under the radar. He is such a top-class player."

"I’d love to go see him win the Ballon d’Or or get the appreciation that I feel he deserves. He’s such a humble guy. He just goes about his business and keeps out of any trouble.”

Truth be told, despite the backing of his former captain, Kante does not stand a realistic chance of winning the Ballon d'Or this year.

#6 Jamie Carragher

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Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has also refused to pick Lionel Messi as his preferred 2021 Ballon d'Or winner. The footballer-turned-pundit has extended his support to Robert Lewandowski in the race for the award.

Carragher highlighted the fact that Lewandowski was unlucky not to win the award in 2020 after it was canceled due to the pandemic. As such, the Englishman feels the Poland captain is a more deserving winner of the Ballon d'Or in 2021 compared to Lionel Messi.

Speaking to CBS Sport, he stated:

"I think Lewandowski will win it. I think he deserves to win it. He missed out on it last year."

"I think Messi winning it for Argentina means.... I would pick Lewandowski, but I think Messi may just do it because people would feel he has finally done something for Argentina."

Deep down inside, though, it seems like Carragher is resigned to Lionel Messi winning the Ballon d'Or again.

#5 Paolo Maldini

The legendary Italian defender is also of the opinion that Lionel Messi should not win the 2021 Ballon d'Or award. Paolo Maldini finished in the top-three for the prestigious award in his playing career back in 2003.

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Despite not winning the Ballon d'Or, the former AC Milan stalwart is still regarded as one of the greatest ever players. Although he admitted wanting Robert Lewandowski to win the 2021 Ballon d'Or, Maldini conceded that Lionel Messi still has the best chance. Speaking on Radio Marca, he commented:

"I think that this year Robert Lewandowski deserves the Ballon d'Or. Karim Benzema could also win, but Lewandowski kept the incredible 'hunger' for scoring goals. He broke many records with his efficiency."

"Lewandowski, Benzema, and Messi will surely be the top three. I think Messi has the best chance, I personally would like Lewandowski to win."

Lionel Messi will be hoping Maldini's hunch becomes true in a couple of days.

#4 Oliver Kahn

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During his playing career, Oliver Kahn came close to winning the Ballon d'Or not once but twice. The German shot-stopper finished on the podium for consecutive years back in 2002 and 2003 as Michael Owen and Ronaldo Nazario lifted the awards respectively.

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Understandably, Kahn has backed Robert Lewandowski for the 2021 Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi. Both of them share the common link of having established themselves as heroes at Bayern Munich and Kahn admits he will be disappointed if Lewandowski fails to win:

"I would be deeply disappointed if Robert didn't win the Ballon d'Or. Nobody deserves it more than he does."

What we would've given to watch Lionel Messi vs Oliver Kahn in their prime!