Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi voted for Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal in the Raymond Kopa trophy, awarded to the best player under 21, reports Sports Illustrated.
Cristiano Ronaldo abstained from voting. Unlike the Ballon d’Or decided by journalists, the Kopa trophy is voted on by past Ballon d’Or winners.
This year, 27 former winners voted. Most, including Messi, Luka Modric, Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema, and Kaka, placed Yamal first.
Yamal has played four games this season, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
