Zero PR, Zero Vote-Gathering! Messi Targets Ninth Ballon d'Or with 22 Goals and 13 Assists

Team newspaper reporter Jose Barroso noted on September 15 that Messi is not relying on hype or PR, but solely on his on-pitch performances to chase his ninth Ballon d'Or. At 39, he scored 8 goals at the World Cup, reaching three finals but narrowly losing 1-0 to Spain. After the match, he kept away from the media, only making statements on his father's death and his retirement from the national team. Last month, he returned to Inter Miami, contributing 7 goals and 5 assists over seven consecutive key matches, with year-to-date totals of 22 goals and 13 assists. Despite the limited recognition of MLS, Messi continues his legend with a low-key, pragmatic approach—never soliciting votes, only letting the football speak for itself.