France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d’Or award, have been forced to debunk rumours that they have informed Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi, that he is the winner of the 2021 award.
Messi is the hot favourite to win the prize this month, as the event returns following a COVID-19 break.
However, some people suggested he already has his hands on a seventh individual award.
But those behind the voting insist no victor has been determined as yet.
France Football editor, Pascal Ferre, has told Bild of the Messi speculation: “That’s a lot of bullsh*t we’ve seen in the past 10 days. A big bluff.”
Messi faces stiff competition from Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who claimed the FIFA Best award in 2020 and has scored 23 goals in 17 appearances this season.
Italy and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has seen his claims to a much sought-after piece of silverware talked up after helping the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory and club side Chelsea to a Champions League crown.
