Lionel Messi has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, more than any other football player in history. However, who did the Argentine soccer legend vote for when it came to football's most prestigious individual honor?
The former legend of Barcelona and PSG began voting for the Ballon d'Or in 2011, following his appointment as Argentina captain. Since 2016, however, there has been a split between FIFA and France Football, and Messi has instead voted in FIFA's rival award, "The Best".
Here are the players Messi voted for the Ballon d'Or between 2011 and 2015, including a first, second, and third place selection each year, and an update on where they are today.
Andres Iniesta – 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015
The iconic Spanish midfielder was the only player to be included in all five of Messi's selections.
Having played a key role in Spain's success in 2012 and then consistently contributing to Barcelona's success every season, including their treble-winning season of 2014-2015.
It's challenging to dispute that he should play every year based on his football skills alone, but he was at his best during those earlier years.
He stayed at Barcelona until 2018 and departed after 22 years with the club, having joined through the youth academy.
Next up was an adventure in Japan with Vissel Kobe, where he won two trophies in five years, before finishing his career in 2024 at Emirates in the United Arab Emirates, and he now lives a quiet life away from football.
Xavi – 2011, 2012, and 2013
During his prime, from roughly 2008 to 2013, Xavi led Spain and Barcelona to numerous victories, claiming an array of trophies, and was consistently included in the World XI team during that period.
He saw a decline in form after that, as Ivan Rakitic, who was on a roll, took his place in his final season. Despite this, he still managed to finish third in the Ballon d'Or on three separate occasions (2009, 2010 and 2011).
After watching his team win the treble in 2015, he decided to bid farewell to his childhood club after 24 years of service.
He then traveled to Qatar to compete for Al Sadd for four years before retiring in 2019 after securing four championship titles.
Xavi is currently on the sidelines, waiting for his next managerial opportunity, having parted ways with Barcelona in 2024 after a three-year tenure.
Sergio Aguero – 2011 and 2012
Described as a brother by Messi, Aguero rose through the ranks in Argentina alongside him and was chosen by Messi for the Ballon d'Or in both 2011 and 2012.
The latter year, however, marked a Premier League title win and an iconic final-day goal against QPR, which justified his choice.
During his 2011 season with Atletico, he scored a total of 27 goals across all competitions, making him one of the most sought-after players in Europe at the time.
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Neymar – 2013 & 2015
At the time, Neymar, a superstar at Santos, placed fifth in the rankings, securing his second top 10 finish at the Ballon d'Or awards, making him the only player to have achieved this feat while playing in a league outside of the top five in Europe.
It was clear that Messi saw a lot of potential in him and the two players were reunited a year later at Camp Nou.
After their treble-winning season, Neymar was part of the renowned MSN strikeforce, scoring 39 goals and providing 10 assists.
After achieving stardom, he chose to join Paris Saint-Germain to become the top player at the French club, but was unable to win the Ballon d'Or or Champions League and eventually moved to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
He spent the majority of his time there injured before recently returning to his boyhood club Santos.
Angel Di Maria – 2014
Di Maria, a member of the international team, was one of Europe's top players that year when Madrid won the Champions League, earning the Man of the Match award in the final.
He provided two assists in the El Clasico match against Barcelona and was impressive that year with 26 assists.
He then secured a lucrative transfer to Manchester United, but only spent one season there before becoming a pivotal figure at PSG for seven years, accumulating 19 titles.
He made a brief stop at Juventus for a year before returning to his original European club Benfica, and at 36 years old, he remains a vital player, having scored 14 goals and provided eight assists this season.
Luis Suarez – 2015
Suarez was at the top of his game that season, scoring 25 goals and also supplying 23 assists, making him one of Messi's best teammates and collaborators.
A crucial member of the MSN trio, he was the unselfish one among the three, always willing to create opportunities for one of his teammates, but it was a remarkable debut season at a top club, and he went on to score more goals in the following years.
After six years and 195 goals, he was permitted to join rival Atletico Madrid, where he experienced a successful period winning La Liga.
He then moved to Nacional in Uruguay, where he thought his career might conclude, but he found a new lease on life at Gremio in Brazil, winning titles before joining the MLS with Inter Miami to play alongside Messi.
TRY A QUIZ: Can you list all the players who finished in the top three at the Ballon d'Or award in the 2020s?
Javier Mascherano – 2014
One of his international and club teammates, Javier Mascherano, unexpectedly appeared in his top three in 2014.
He played a crucial role in Argentina's defense as they made it to the World Cup final that year, and it's probably because of that he was included.
He remained at the club until 2018, then finished his career with two clubs, Hebei Chinese Fortune and Estudiantes in Argentina.
After retiring, he moved into a managerial role, overseeing the Argentinian youth teams, and, in a twist of fate, he now finds himself coaching Suarez, Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets as the head coach of Inter Miami.