Why we might be entering the Age of the Midfielder, from Bellingham to Pedri

Despite the best efforts of Lionel Messi, modern soccer will eventually enter a new era. Back in July, I predicted that the Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era had come to an end. I was correct, but only halfway.

A group of European soccer magazines (known as the European Sports Media) vote on a team of the month every month. It’s the most consistent record we have of how European players are perceived at any given time. (An anonymous, heroic citizen keeps track of it all.) After the season, you can add up the total TOTM appearances to get a sense of who people thought the best players were – in other words, a team of the season. Although not officially recognized, it is comparable to the NBA’s All-NBA team or the NFL’s All-Pro team.

Messi (14 total) or Ronaldo (9) have been named to the season’s best team in 16 consecutive seasons. That is, until last season, when neither made a single month’s team.

Then, of course, there was this season. Ronaldo is on vacation in Saudi Arabia, but Messi has made all four teams this week. He was the best player in the World Cup, and unless something unexpected happens, he will win his eighth Ballon d’Or. I’m going to stop saying it’s going to end; I’ll accept that it’s over when he says it’s over.