Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine and Inter Miami football star, has made fresh history by winning an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or award, a feat unmatched by any other player in the history of the sport.
LIONEL MESSI IS THE 2023 MEN’S BALLON D’OR!
Eight Ballon d’Or for Argentina hero! ??#ballondor pic.twitter.com/1slOJ6EoKj
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
Messi previously clinched the prestigious accolade in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. Cristiano Ronaldo holds five Ballon d’Or titles, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten have each won it thrice.
The 36-year-old maestro also becomes the second-oldest player to receive this esteemed honor, following his stellar performance in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina emerged as world champions. Only the inaugural awardee, Stanley Matthews in 1956, was older when he claimed the honor at 41.
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Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham had the honor of presenting Messi with the award in Paris.
In his acceptance speech, Messi expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, and voters, and particularly acknowledged fellow nominees Haaland and Mbappé for their exceptional performances. He dedicated the award to Diego Maradona and all of Argentina, recognizing their joy as the nation clinched the World Cup title.
“Thanks to everyone, especially my teammates. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. This Ballon d’Or is a great gift for all of Argentina. I don’t want to forget Haaland or Mbappé, who had a great year, spectacular, and in the coming years, they will win this award.
“The level [of competition] never decreases, I have been lucky to be here for many years. I want to provide a special mention for all those people who were happy that Argentina became world champions. Thanks also to all my family, my wife, my children, for being there in the worst moments, and they have helped me fulfill my dreams in football. Without you it would not have been possible,” Messi said.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Messi expressed astonishment at the heights he has reached and acknowledged the privilege of playing for what he described as the best team in history.
“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved. The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing,” he added.
Erling Haaland, renowned for his prolific scoring record, secured the Gerd Muller Trophy for the best striker of the year after netting an impressive 52 goals last season. Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ranked eight, becoming the first Nigerian player to reach that height. Messi’s closest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, did not make the Ballon d’Or list this time.
Before Messi’s recognition, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was awarded the Ballon d’Or Féminin for her outstanding contributions at both club and international levels.
Additionally, Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez claimed the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, and England’s Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid was honored with the Kopa Trophy for the world’s top player under 21.
Here is the full 2023 Men's Ballon d'Or ranking ?? #ballondor? pic.twitter.com/9V55O0R87M
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
Messi’s exceptional performances in the 2022 World Cup, culminating in Argentina’s triumph, solidified his legacy and earned him his eighth Ballon d’Or. His leadership and contributions on the field were instrumental in Argentina’s victory after a 36-year wait for World Cup glory.
Having faced heartbreak in previous World Cup campaigns, Messi’s crowning moment in Qatar was a testament to his resilience and determination to achieve football’s highest honor.
With his eighth Ballon d’Or, many believe that the former Barcelona playmaker has sealed his place as the Greatest of All Time in football.
