Inter Miami gaffer decides on winner of Ballon d'Or race

Phil Neville names Lionel Messi and Vinicius Jr as Ballon d'Or favorites

Messi or Vinicius? Neville picks favorite for Ballon d'Or 2023

Inter Miami manager Phil Neville has weighed in on the debate over who should win the 2023 Ballon d'Or, naming Lionel Messi and Vinicius Jr as the two frontrunners.

Messi, who won the award a record seven times, had a stellar 2022, leading Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and winning the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain.

Vinicius, meanwhile, enjoyed a breakout season with Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giants win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga, and contributing to Brazil's success at the Copa America.

Neville believes that both players have strong cases to win the award but ultimately gives Messi the edge due to his World Cup triumph.

"I think Messi has to be the favorite," Neville said. "He's won the World Cup, which is the biggest prize in football."

"But Vinicius has had an incredible season with Real Madrid," Neville added. "He's been one of the most exciting players to watch in the world."

Other contenders for the Ballon d'Or include Karim Benzema of Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain, and Erling Haaland of Manchester City.

The winner of the 2023 Ballon d'Or will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 17th.