Lionel Messi heads list of men’s Ballon d’Or nominees

Messi, already a record seven-time winner of the annual prize for world player of the year, is again the favourite.

Lionel Messi is favourite for the Ballon d’Or after winning the World Cup (Martin Rickett/PA)

Lionel Messi heads the list of nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or after leading Argentina to World Cup glory.

Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka were also included on the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious prize published by organisers France Football on Wednesday.