Paris, France – It was a night to remember at the Châtelet theater in Paris as Argentine superstar Lionel Messi made history by securing his eighth Ballon d’Or award. The 36-year-old forward, currently playing for Inter Miami, beat out fierce competition from Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappé to claim the prestigious accolade as the world’s best player.
Messi’s record-breaking eighth win came after an outstanding performance in the 2022 World Cup, where he led his country to victory and cemented his place as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. With this win, he surpasses rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of five Ballon d’Or awards and solidifies his status as a soccer legend.
His journey with this award started back in 2009, and he has since won it in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and now, once again, in 2023. This impressive collection of trophies is a testament to Messi’s consistency and dominance in the sport.
In a humble acceptance speech, Messi credited his teammates and the entire nation of Argentina for his success. “This award is a gift for the whole group of Argentina,” he said, acknowledging the hard work and support of those around him. He also took a moment to pay tribute to the late Argentine icon, Diego Maradona, dedicating the win to him and their country.
Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win adds another chapter to his illustrious career, which includes four Champions League titles and ten La Liga titles with Barcelona. His incredible skills on the field, combined with his determination to bring World Cup glory to Argentina, have endeared him to fans worldwide and solidified his place in the hearts of his nation.
With information from Marca