In a recent interview, Luís Figo revealed that ten journalists shortlisted among the 100 Ballon d’Or voters have been delisted and removed for violating FIFA regulations in favor of Messi.
According to Figo, the journalists were caught attempting to manipulate and coordinate their votes in favor of Lionel Messi to win the award over other top contenders, including Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane.
Figo went further, stating: “For the past 15 years the awards have been rigged in favor of Messi. Only 3 out of the 8 he has won were truly deserved. I don’t know what the relationship between him and FIFA is, but I hope he’s brought to justice someday.”