Lionel Messi of Argentina was one of the players named as finalists for the men’s Ballon d’Or award on Wednesday by the event’s sponsors, France Football magazine.

winner seven times Argentina’s first World Cup victory since 1986 came courtesy of Messi, an Inter Miami player, who guided Argentina to victory in Qatar in December.

For the first time in 20 years, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, who has won the award five times, did not receive a nomination.

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The short list also included Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen,Paris St. Germain forward Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, who last season received the UEFA award for best male player.

Alexia Putellas of Barcelona, who has won the prize for women for the previous two years, was not included in the nominations.

Along with Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, who assisted Spain in winning the World Cup last month, Sam Kerr, Asisat Oshoala and Millie Bright of Chelsea were among the 30 female nominees.

On October 30, the world’s top men’s and women’s players will be recognised.