Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami CF star, clinched an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or title, surpassing Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. This accolade primarily stems from Messi’s pivotal role in leading Argentina to the World Cup 2022 victory last year.
Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham, presented the award to him in Paris.
Haaland, who demonstrated stellar performance with 52 goals during the City’s triumphant 2022-23 season, secured the Gerd Muller Trophy for the year’s best striker, finishing as the runner-up in the Ballon d’Or race.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Messi expressed gratitude for his remarkable journey, especially his time with Argentina.
“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved,” Messi said after getting his award. “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. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”
Ahead of Messi’s recognition, Aitana Bonmatí, the Barcelona and Spain midfielder, claimed the Ballon d’Or Féminin after a record-breaking year with her club and country. Bonmatí contributed significantly to Barcelona’s Liga F and Champions League victories, followed by leading Spain to World Cup glory.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez received the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was honoured with the Kopa Trophy, recognizing him as the world’s finest player under 21.
This historic achievement extends Messi’s legacy as the most decorated player in Ballon d’Or history, with prior wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. He bagged this year’s award for his stellar performance at the 2022 World Cup, a tournament that saw Argentina clinch their third world championship after a 36-year wait.
Messi, as captain, was instrumental to Argentina’s success in Qatar. He scored seven goals and assisted three as he was named as the Player of the Tournament.
Notably, at 36 years and four months old, Messi becomes the second oldest player to receive the Ballon d’Or, succeeding last year’s winner, Karim Benzema. Only the inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews in 1956, secured the award at an older age, aged 41.
Messi’s initial six Ballons d’Or were achieved during his tenure at Barcelona, where he established himself as the club’s all-time leading scorer. His seventh title came shortly after joining PSG in 2021, following his Copa America triumph with Argentina.
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