At the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, attention was not only on the prestigious award itself but also on the Kopa Trophy – an award dedicated to the best male player under the age of 21. This year, the Kopa Trophy featured a particularly strong roster of candidates, including Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, and Pedri. Notably, Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in football history, was among those voting for the award, and his choices surprised many fans.

Messi’s Surprising Choice

According to the voting results, Messi ranked Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich first, followed by Pedri from Barcelona and Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid in third place. This was surprising to many, as Bellingham, who ultimately won the Kopa Trophy, had an outstanding year, especially after joining Real Madrid. With stellar performances for both club and country, many believed Bellingham was the top candidate and deserved Messi’s first-place vote.

Why Did Messi Choose Jamal Musiala?

Messi’s decision to place Musiala at the top of his list sparked significant discussion and raised questions about the reasoning behind his choice. Jamal Musiala is one of Europe’s most promising young talents, known for his technical skill and exceptional dribbling ability. Over the past season, Musiala showcased impressive form with Bayern Munich, contributing to the club’s achievements in both domestic and international competitions.

It seems Messi was impressed by Musiala’s creative playstyle and goal-scoring potential. However, this still left some fans puzzled, given that Bellingham has been in remarkable form and has made a substantial impact at Real Madrid. Some speculate that Messi’s vote for Musiala may reflect his long-term respect for Musiala’s potential and consistent performance over multiple seasons.

Reactions from the Football Community

Messi’s choice did not escape mixed reactions from the football community. Many fans of Jude Bellingham, especially in England and among Real Madrid supporters, felt it was unfair that Messi only ranked him third. To them, Bellingham embodies the qualities of a well-rounded young player, not only excelling in scoring but also showing strong defensive abilities and situational awareness. Bellingham’s rapid rise since joining Real Madrid has led many to believe he deserved the top spot.

Neutral fans were also left wondering about Messi’s ranking order. Some football experts suggested that Messi’s ballot might reflect his admiration for Musiala’s playstyle and potential, who is expected to continue developing and reach new heights in the coming years. Conversely, some believe that Messi may be overrating Musiala’s abilities, given that Bellingham has shown superior performances overall.

Messi and His Personal Voting Choices

As a legendary player who has participated in numerous individual award votes, Messi has often made controversial choices. It is evident that Messi doesn’t merely look at a player’s achievements but also values their playstyle and long-term potential. This was demonstrated in the past when he voted for players who may not have been the most prominent but possessed qualities he valued.

In this Kopa Trophy race, it’s clear that Messi prioritized factors like individual skill and distinctive playing style over temporary brilliance. For Messi, Musiala may have been the most fitting candidate for the title, even if Bellingham remains a popular favorite among fans.

The Significance of the Kopa Trophy for Young Players

The Kopa Trophy is a prestigious and meaningful award for young players. Awarded by France Football, the Kopa Trophy honors players under 21 who have had outstanding performances throughout the year. With previous winners like Kylian Mbappe and Pedri, the Kopa Trophy has become a pivotal milestone in the careers of many young players.

This award not only recognizes current talent but also helps shape the future for young players by providing motivation and opportunities to further their careers at top clubs. This significance is even more pronounced amid the fierce competition in modern football, where every individual accolade can have a major impact.

Conclusion

Messi’s choice for the 2023 Kopa Trophy has sparked much debate but also reveals his unique perspective on football. As a player who has won numerous individual awards, Messi knows better than anyone that achievements alone are not everything; potential and long-term qualities also play a significant role.

Messi’s decision to place Musiala first could be a way to encourage and support this young talent, while Bellingham is still widely recognized by the football community as one of the most outstanding young players.