Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, upon switching from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, has cost himself a Ballon d'Or nomination after an underwhelming first season with his new football club. 

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Messi has been a regular feature for the top 3 since 2007, except for 2018. 

In addition, a change in the format has worked against Messi - the Ballon d'Or no lonher acknowledges the best player over a calendar year. Instead, it takes into account seasonal records highlighting "individual performances" and the "decisive and impressive character" of the nominees, according to the new criteria. 

Since leaving Barcelona last year, Messi was unable to cement his talent on the team, which has been desperate for a Champions League title. 

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The French champions lost at a last-16 exit against Real Madrid. In total, Messi scored a mere 11 goals for PSG as the team failed to impress France Football magazine. 

Furthermore, Neymar Jr is also missing out after a season where he scored 13 goals in 28 matches. 

On the other hand, Karim Benzema is the overwhelming favorite after being the leading player leading Real Madrid's 14th Champions League title, finishing the European campaign with 15 goals.

In the 2021/2022 season, Benzema scored 44 goals in 46 matches for Real Madrid, which also won the Liga title.

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