Former Italy striker Antonio Cassano believes there is only one worthy winner of this year’s Ballon d’or in Lionel Messi, something Jorginho allegedly agrees with.
The now PSG star left his beloved Barcelona earlier this month after spending more than 20 years at the club.
In the weeks prior, he finally lifted a trophy as Argentina captain as he led his side to victory in the Copa America – a competition where he was also announced as the Player of the Tournament.
However, Jorginho, has also staked his claim for the top individual honour.
The Italian played a major role in helping Chelsea win the Champions League for the second time in May and followed up those displays with a string of outstanding performances for his country at Euro 2020, where he ended up an eventual winner despite missing his penalty in the shootout against England.
Still, Cassano has gone as far as saying it would be a ‘scandal’ if the 2021 Ballon d’Or was awarded to Jorginho over already six-time winner Messi.
In a conversation with former Italy teammate Christian Vieri on his Twitch Channel, via the Mirror, Cassano said: "Remember when I said any journalist who voted for Jorginho as Ballon d’Or should have his licence taken away?
"Well, I was in Formentera with my family and just as I sat down, I felt a touch. ‘Antonio, you’re great!’ the voice says. I turn around to ask who he was, he took off his glasses and mask, and it was Jorginho!"
The ex-Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan forward added: "I told him, Jorgi, can you believe the scandal if they should give you the Ballon d’Or and not to Messi?
"He replied that he absolutely agreed with me, Messi should always win it."
Cassano was impressed by Joginho’s humility and admires him as both a player and person even more now.
We’re yet to see who will end up as the winner, but both candidates deserve nothing but praise nonetheless.
