Frank Christian
Throughout their careers, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have amassed nearly every football accolade possible. However, one notable award has so far escaped Messi: the Golden Foot.
This award, which Cristiano Ronaldo received in 2020, is given by the Monaco monarchy to recognize athletes’ achievements and character. The winner is awarded a golden foot trophy and has the opportunity to leave their footprint impression on “The Champions Promenade” along the Monaco coastline.
The rules specify that only players aged 28 or older can win, and each player can claim the award just once. Ronaldo is among the distinguished winners, which include icons like Robert Lewandowski, Luka Modric, and Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
Despite Messi’s record of eight Ballon d’Or titles—the highest for any player—he has yet to win the Golden Foot. However, with the nominees for 2024 recently announced, he may soon have the opportunity for recognition.
Winners and Nominees of the Golden Foot Award
The inaugural recipient of the Golden Foot was Italian legend Roberto Baggio in 2003 while he played for Brescia during the twilight of his career.
The most current winner is Robert Lewandowski, who received the award in 2022. The preceding winners include Mo Salah in 2021 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2020, as noted on the Golden Foot Award website.
Messi appears as a nominee for 2024, joined by other candidates like Marco Verratti, Neymar, Virgil van Dijk, Harry Kane, Thomas Muller, Kevin de Bruyne, Karim Benzema, and Lautaro Martinez.
Among our 10 nominees! Who will win this year’s Golden Foot Award? #football #award #monaco #winner pic.twitter.com/dyRme00Y2t
— GOLDEN FOOT • Monaco (@GoldenFootMC) October 11, 2024
At 37, Messi is focused on pursuing success with Inter Miami in the MLS Cup this season. Though neither he nor Ronaldo is in the running for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Messi may still achieve further individual honors before his career concludes.
