Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo Nazario gave his pick on Ballon d’or 2023 which is set to be awarded next week in France.

Tje former striker won the award twice respectively in 1997 and 2002 but had to be snubbed the following years do to several injuries which prevented him from giving his best.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t change the legacy for the former Inter Milan goal-getter who has the respect and recognition of all the footballing world.

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With this year’s Ballon d’or ceremony scheduled for October 30 at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Ronaldo was asked who is his favourite to win the award.

And “R9” replied saying Inter Miami and Argentina captain Lionel Messi should be crowned ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

“The Ballon d’Or should go to him [Lionel Messi], without a doubt”, he told TNT Sport’s Brasil.

“What Messi did in the World Cup was special. It reminded me of the campaigns of Pelé and Maradona.”