In a grand ceremony held in Paris, Lionel Messi, the football maestro, claimed the Ballon d’Or 2023 for an unparalleled eighth time, surpassing expectations and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Messi’s win comes as a testament to his exceptional contribution in leading Argentina to a World Cup triumph last year.
While the 36-year-old ace’s accolade also credits his performance in MLS with Inter Miami CF, his landmark feats with Argentina in Qatar were the definitive moments. The former Manchester United star, David Beckham, presented the golden award to Messi, symbolizing his unmatched prowess on the football pitch.
Despite Haaland’s outstanding tally of 52 goals, aiding Manchester City in clinching the Treble during the 2022-23 season, he finished second, although he was honored with the Gerd Muller Trophy for his striking abilities.
Expressing his gratitude, Messi reflected on his illustrious journey, emphasizing his victories with the Argentina national team. “To clinch the Copa America and the World Cup consecutively is indeed a dream,” Messi remarked.
In parallel events of the evening, Aitana Bonmatí, Barcelona’s midfield dynamo, secured the Ballon d’Or Féminin after her exceptional year with Barcelona and Spain. Emiliano Martinez, Messi’s teammate from Argentina, grabbed the Yashin Trophy for his extraordinary goalkeeping. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham from England and Real Madrid was awarded the Kopa Trophy, highlighting his potential as the world’s leading young talent.
Paying homage to his idol, Messi remembered Diego Maradona, the legendary Argentine footballer, on his birthday. “This award is a tribute to Diego’s undying passion for football,” Messi said, acknowledging the great who would have turned 63, was the 1986 World Cup Winner, died on Nov 22, 2020.
Historically, Messi’s win established a new benchmark. Prior to this, Messi’s seven Ballon d’Or wins were already unmatched, with Cristiano Ronaldo holding it five times.
Giving priority to Monday’s ceremony in Paris, no player had won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi, who first won in 1009 and then in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021.
The journey from Paris Saint-Germain, where Messi scored 21 goals, to Inter Miami, has been phenomenal for the forward. His contribution to Argentina’s World Cup campaign, with seven goals and pivotal assists, reiterates why he is revered globally. For Messi, lifting the World Cup was not just a dream but a quest, especially after the near-miss in 2014 against Germany. This latest Ballon d’Or accolade adds to Messi’s collection, affirming his stature as one of the greatest footballers. Having played the majority of his career at Barcelona, followed by a stint at PSG, Messi’s move to MLS showcased his versatility. But it’s his leadership in the Argentina jersey that has solidified his legendary status in football’s annals.