Award schemes based on votes often spark debate, and the Ballon d’Or is a prime example of this.
Since Sir Stanley Matthews won the inaugural prize in 1956, opinions have always been divided on who truly deserves the accolade each year.
One of the most contentious years in Ballon d’Or history was in 2010 when Lionel Messi claimed his second title.
The Argentine maestro edged Barcelona teammates Andrés Iniesta and Xavi to secure the award after a stellar 2009/10 campaign, during which he netted 47 goals and registered 12 assists in 53 appearances for the Blaugrana.
Despite Messi’s impressive statistics, many critics felt the award should have gone to one of his competitors.
Iniesta and Xavi were pivotal in Spain’s first-ever World Cup victory in 2010, with Iniesta in particular immortalising himself by scoring the decisive goal in the final against the Netherlands, as noted by Marca.
His contributions at Barcelona, where he scored 10 goals that season, only strengthened his case for the top individual honour....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
Additionally, many believed Wesley Sneijder, a standout in Inter Milan’s treble-winning season, deserved serious consideration.
Sneijder also played a crucial role in guiding the Dutch national team to the World Cup final, making him another worthy contender in the eyes of many football fans.
Despite the uproar and widespread calls for the award to go to someone other than Messi, Iniesta revealed that he held no resentment over the outcome.
Reflecting on the moment, the legendary midfielder shared his thoughts.
“The photo of Leo [Messi], Xavi, and me on the Ballon d’Or podium is the most meaningful prize of that day, of that moment,” Iniesta remarked, as quoted by Tribuna.
“Three guys from La Masia… I think it’s even more than whoever won it,” he added.
