Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or victory has sparked much debate.

The Argentine attacker received his ninth accolade earlier this year, extending his record, but not everyone thought he deserved it.

After his heroics at the FIFA World Cup, French icon Youri Djorkaeff believes Lionel Messi deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.

While some have criticized the decision to crown Messi the victor, French icon Youri Djorkaeff disagrees.

Djorkaeff, who played over 80 games for France, believes the Argentinian deserved the accolade following his heroics at the FIFA World Cup.

Messi guided Argentina to the World Cup triumph after defeating France in the final.

Djorkaeff, who played for PSG alongside Messi, made the remarks on Téléfoot, a French football television show.

Di Maria fires back at critics

Messi has experienced a lot of criticism since earning the award for the second time in a row. He has received a lot of encouragement, particularly from his Argentine colleagues.

According to The Mirror, Angel Di Maria responded to Lothar Matthaus’ accusation that Messi did not deserve to win.

Cristiano Ronaldo likes post about Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr captain who has the most Ballon d’Or wins after Messi, recently made news when he reacted to a post regarding Messi’s accomplishments.

According to Sports Brief, the Portuguese star liked and commented on a post that insulted the Inter Miami star.