It makes very little sense to include the ballon d'or. Not only because it's not something you win on the field (if not indirectly) but by journalists votes (and the more or less heavy interferences by sponsors)... but most of all because it has been available to non-european players only recently. Maradona was not able to compete for it, just to name one. (Just to be clear, i have very little consideration for every football trophy that is assigned by external sources)
All fair considerations. On the flip side, it is an individual award, as opposed to team trophies. Pros and cons. But I see merit in your criticism. In this case though, you could probably replace it with something like an Olympic Gold Medal and achieve the same effect. In terms of historical comparisons, you are correct though, its not fair to draw distinctions based off an award that a past player was ineligible to win. Modern day is a different story however, as those limitations have been removed for quite some time now. In any event, winning a record 7 Ballon d'Ors across his career is a huge statement. It does still carry significant weight despite the shortcomings that you describe. I wonder if he can win his 8th this season. He definitely has a chance and can be assumed to be the frontrunner at this point in time (with the acknowledgement that we are still very early into the season/year).
yes, 7 ballon d'or are still a impressive achievement, despite any other considerations. For the current year i can see maybe just a couple of players able to compete with Messi for the final victory. Mbappè (obviously) and possibly Haaland, but that depends a lot on the rest of the season and the results / performances in the champions league.
Slightly out of date (since Messi has now won the Copa America and World Cup) but one of the deepest analysis I've seen...