Inter Miami CF sensation Lionel Messi secured an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or title, outshining Manchester City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland. This remarkable achievement was propelled by Messi’s leadership in guiding Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar.
At the age of 36, Messi, who now plies his trade in Major League Soccer, has become the first MLS-based player to seize this prestigious award. He received this accolade in Paris from David Beckham, a former Manchester United player and co-owner of Inter Miami.
Despite Haaland’s impressive tally of 52 goals in the 2022-23 season, where Manchester City clinched the Treble, he came in second in the Ballon d’Or ranking, but he was honored with the Gerd Muller Trophy, recognizing him as the year’s best striker.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Messi expressed his gratitude for his exceptional career and the fortune of representing some of the finest teams in football history. His victories at the Copa America and the World Cup have further embellished his illustrious career, making this Ballon d’Or a special addition to his collection.
In a historic year for women’s football, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí secured the Ballon d’Or Féminin after a record-breaking season with her club and national team. Bonmatí played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s Liga F and Champions League victories, and she also led Spain to World Cup triumph.
Additional accolades awarded on the same night included the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, presented to Messi’s compatriot Emiliano Martinez, and the Kopa Trophy, recognizing the world’s finest player under the age of 21, bestowed upon England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.
During his speech, Messi paid tribute to Argentine legend Diego Maradona, whose birthday it was on the same day. Maradona, who passed away on November 22, 2020, would have turned 63. Messi expressed his birthday wishes to Maradona, highlighting the enduring love for football that both shared.
Before Monday’s ceremony in Paris, no player had ever won more Ballon d’Or titles than Messi, who previously claimed the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo has secured the honor five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten are three-time recipients.
Messi’s remarkable journey continues as he notched 21 goals in 41 appearances last season, contributing to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 triumph before embarking on his journey to Inter Miami. In his new MLS endeavor, he has already found the back of the net 11 times in 14 matches, playing a pivotal role in Miami’s Leagues Cup victory. Despite an injury sidelining him towards the end of the MLS regular season, Messi’s outstanding performances at the World Cup in 2022 sealed his eighth Ballon d’Or, ending Argentina’s 36-year wait for World Cup glory. With seven goals and three assists, he was hailed as the Player of the Tournament.
He notched two goals in the final and another in the penalty shootout against France, contributing to one of the most unforgettable World Cup finals in history. This victory held personal significance for Messi, who had previously faced disappointment at four prior World Cups, including a loss in the 2014 final to Germany.
At the age of 36 years and four months, he is now the second-oldest player to win the Ballon d’Or, surpassing last year’s recipient Karim Benzema. Only Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner in 1956, was older, clinching the award at the age of 41.
Messi’s first six Ballons d’Or were secured during his tenure at Barcelona, where he remains the all-time top scorer and the player with the most appearances. His seventh win followed his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after Argentina’s Copa America victory.