Ballon D'Or 2023: Messi Beats Haaland To Win For Eighth Time

Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi has made history by securing his eighth Ballon d’Or, an unprecedented achievement in football history. The Argentine maestro claimed this prestigious award after his remarkable leadership in guiding Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

At 36 years old, Messi’s Ballon d’Or triumph sets a new record, making him the first MLS-based player to achieve this accolade. During a grand ceremony in Paris, Messi was presented with the award by David Beckham, his fellow co-owner at Inter Miami.

Erling Haaland, the prolific Manchester City striker who netted an astonishing 52 goals in the 2022-23 season, finished as the runner-up in the voting. Haaland also clinched the Gerd Muller Trophy for being the year’s best striker.

In his post-award interview, an elated Messi expressed his gratitude, saying, “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.” Messi highlighted the significance of his recent triumphs, including winning the Copa America and the World Cup.

Before Messi’s momentous win, Aitana Bonmatí, the talented Barcelona and Spain midfielder, secured the Ballon d’Or Féminin after an exceptional year with both her club and the Spanish national team. Her achievements included helping Barcelona win Liga F and the Champions League, followed by leading Spain to World Cup glory.

Additionally, several other awards were presented during the ceremony, including the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, which went to Messi’s Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez. England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was honored with the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21.

In a heartfelt gesture during his acceptance speech, Messi paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona, whose birthday it was on that day. He stated, “My last mention is for Diego [Maradona]. Today is his birthday. So I would like to remember him from here, surrounded by the best players, coaches, and people who love football like he did. Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you.”

Before this event, no player had won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi, who had previously secured the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. He had been in pursuit of the elusive eighth Ballon d’Or, and his exceptional performances at the 2022 World Cup were the catalyst for this historic achievement.

During the past season, Messi displayed his brilliance by scoring 21 goals in 41 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, aiding in their retention of the Ligue 1 title. He subsequently moved to Inter Miami and continued to shine, scoring 11 goals in just 14 games and assisting the franchise in winning the Leagues Cup, their first-ever silverware.

However, a brief period of injury sidelined Messi towards the end of the regular MLS season, preventing his team from securing a playoff spot. Nonetheless, it was Messi’s pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup victory that cemented his legacy, scoring seven goals and providing three crucial assists, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.

In the final against France, Messi scored twice, and his performance in the penalty shootout was instrumental in securing the victory. This World Cup triumph was especially poignant for Messi, as he had come close on four previous occasions, including the 2014 World Cup final against Germany.

At 36 years and four months old, Messi also set a record as the second oldest player to win the Ballon d’Or, surpassing last year’s winner Karim Benzema. Only Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner in 1956, was older when he claimed the accolade at the age of 41.

Messi’s remarkable journey began with his first six Ballons d’Or while playing for Barcelona, where he became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer and appearance holder. His seventh Ballon d’Or followed shortly after his move to PSG in 2021, coinciding with Argentina’s Copa America success.