Inter Miami CF superstar Lionel Messi has secured an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or, triumphing over Manchester City forward Erling Haaland after leading Argentina to victory in last year’s World Cup.
At 36 years old, Messi becomes the first-ever MLS-based player to claim this esteemed accolade, even though his triumph is primarily based on his achievements with the Argentine national team in Qatar. The award was presented in Paris by former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
Haaland, who scored an impressive 52 goals last season as Manchester City secured the Treble in the 2022-23 campaign, finished as the runner-up in the voting and was awarded the Gerd Muller Trophy for the year’s best striker.
“I couldn’t have imagined having the extraordinary career that I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved,” Messi expressed after receiving the award. “I have been fortunate enough to play for the greatest team in the world, the greatest team in history. It’s truly wonderful to win these individual trophies.
“To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to accomplish these feats is absolutely incredible. All of my Ballon d’Or awards are special for various reasons.”
Prior to Messi’s recognition, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin after an exceptional year with her club and country. Bonmatí played a significant role in Barcelona’s victories in Liga F and the Champions League last season and subsequently led Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.
Other awards presented on Monday included Messi’s Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez winning the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, while England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was handed the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21.
In his acceptance speech, Messi took a moment to wish his fellow Argentine and football legend Diego Maradona a happy birthday. Maradona, who won the World Cup in 1986 and sadly passed away on November 22, 2020, would have turned 63 on Monday.
“I would like to dedicate my last words to Diego [Maradona],” Messi shared. “Today is his birthday. So, from here, surrounded by the finest players, coaches, and football enthusiasts who loved the game as much as he did, I want to remember him.
“Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This is for you too.”
Even before Monday’s ceremony in Paris, no player had ever won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi. He claimed his first title in 2009, and then went on to win it again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021.
Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten have all been three-time winners.
Messi scored 21 goals in 41 appearances last season as Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their Ligue 1 title before his move to Inter Miami earlier this year.
Since joining the U.S. club, Messi has netted 11 goals in 14 games, playing a vital role in helping Miami secure their inaugural silverware, the Leagues Cup.
However, he missed a few matches at the end of the regular MLS season due to injury, and as a consequence, Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side narrowly missed out on a playoff spot.
Nevertheless, it was Messi’s exceptional performances at the 2022 World Cup that earned him his eighth Ballon d’Or, as Argentina ended their 36-year wait to lift the trophy for the third time.
As the captain, Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, scoring seven goals and providing three assists en route to being named the Player of the Tournament.
He netted twice in the final and again in the penalty shootout against France, contributing to Lionel Scaloni’s team’s victory in one of the most memorable matches in the history of the competition.
Having fallen short with Argentina at four previous World Cups, including losing the 2014 final to Germany, many believed it would be Messi’s last opportunity to claim football’s most prestigious prize.
At 36 years and four months old, Messi is also the second-oldest player ever to win the Ballon d’Or, surpassing last year’s winner Karim Benzema. Only the inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews, who won the award at the age of 41 in 1956, was older than Messi when he claimed the honor.
Messi’s first six Ballons d’Or were won during his time at Barcelona, where he holds the records for the most goals and appearances. He won his seventh title shortly after joining PSG in 2021 following Argentina’s triumph in the Copa America.
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