Toni Kroos reignited the controversial debate over whether Lionel Messi deserved his latest Ballon d'Or, won in the 2022-2023 season after becoming a World Champion with Argentina. Kroos sent a message implying that he found the choice of Messi as the world's best player unfair. This statement from the former Real Madrid player has sparked a major debate among football fans and experts, reopening old arguments about the selection criteria for the prestigious award.

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This all happened during the "The Icon League" event, a German version of the "Kings League" according to some insiders. During the event, both Kroos and the host were discussing how the best player of the tournament would be chosen, saying that the community and the presidents would decide. Kroos interrupted and jokingly said, "or I decide," which caused laughter among the audience. Many took this comment as an indirect critique of the Ballon d'Or organizers and their selection process.

After the laughter subsided, the host remarked, "It definitely won’t be like the Ballon d'Or, that much we can say," to which Kroos added, "No, here the one who deserves it will win." This comment added fuel to the fire, suggesting that Kroos believes the Ballon d'Or is not always awarded justly.

Kroos' words have divided opinions, with some supporting his stance and others defending Messi's merit. Messi's supporters argue that his performance in the World Cup and his overall football career fully justify his seventh Ballon d'Or, while critics believe that other players had more outstanding seasons in league and European competitions.

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Ultimately, the controversy over the Ballon d'Or highlights the passions and subjectivities that surround football. While some see Messi as the greatest player of all time, others feel that decisions for such significant awards should be based on a more objective analysis of statistics and impact on the field.