Lionel Messi receiving the 2023 Ballon d'Or, celebrating his remarkable eighth win of the prestigious award. (Getty Images)
Lionel Messi, the star player for Inter Miami CF, has secured his eighth Ballon d’Or, setting a new record. He overcame competition from Manchester City’s striker Erling Haaland after leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup.
Lionel Messi’s Remarkable Career
At 36, Messi became the first MLS-based player to claim this prestigious award, mainly due to his outstanding performance in Qatar with Argentina. The award was presented by David Beckham, former Manchester United player and co-owner of Inter Miami.
“I couldn’t have imagined the career I’ve had, playing for the best team in the world and the best team in history,” Messi said during his acceptance speech. “To win the Copa America and then the World Cup is amazing. All of these Ballon d’Or awards are special for different reasons.”
Erling Haaland’s Impressive Season
Haaland, who scored 52 goals in the 2022-23 season, helped City win the Treble but finished second in the voting. He was honored with the Gerd Muller Trophy as the year’s best striker.
Aitana Bonmatí’s Success
Aitana Bonmatí, a Barcelona and Spain midfielder, received the Ballon d’Or Féminin after a record-breaking year with her club and country. She contributed to Barcelona’s Liga F and Champions League victories and led Spain to World Cup glory.
Other Award Winners
Other awards included Emiliano Martinez winning the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, and Jude Bellingham receiving the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under 21.
Messi’s Tribute to Diego Maradona
Messi also remembered Diego Maradona, his fellow countryman, on what would have been his birthday, saying, “Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you.”
Historical Perspective on Ballon d’Or Wins
Before this year’s ceremony, no player had won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi. His previous wins were in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten have won it three times.
Messi’s Performance in the 2022 World Cup
Messi scored 21 goals in 41 appearances last season with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami. In the U.S., he scored 11 goals in 14 games and helped his team win the Leagues Cup. However, he missed some games due to injury towards the end of the MLS season.
Age and Records: Messi’s Ballon d’Or Win
Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or is mainly attributed to his exceptional performance in the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina became world champions for the third time. As captain, he played a crucial role, scoring seven goals and assisting three, earning him the Player of the Tournament title.
At the age of 36 years and four months, Messi is now the second-oldest player to win the Ballon d’Or, surpassing last year’s winner Karim Benzema. Only Stanley Matthews in 1956, who won it at the age of 41, was older when receiving the prestigious award.
Messi’s first six Ballons d’Or were achieved during his time at Barcelona, where he remains the club’s all-time leading goal scorer and appearance record holder. His seventh win came shortly after joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, following his success with Argentina in the Copa America.
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