Lionel Messi has bagged the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time, fending off competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland after leading Argentina to the World Cup last year in Qatar.
Messi becomes the first MLS-based player to win the coveted prize, although the success comes largely from his exploits with his country in Qatar. David Beckham, Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner, handed his prize-signing Messi the award in Paris.
Haaland, who scored 52 goals the previous season as City won the Treble in 2022-23, finished second in the voting and won the Gerd Muller Trophy presented to the best striker of the year.
After getting his award, the Inter Miami CF star said, “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. 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.”
In further awards presented on Monday, Messi’s Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, and England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was given the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21.
During his received speech, Messi made a point of wishing Argentina countryman Diego Maradona a happy birthday. The 1986 World Cup winner, who died on Nov. 22, 2020, would have been 63 on Monday.
Messi said, “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.”
Even before Monday’s ceremony in Paris, no player had bagged the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi, who first won it in 2009 and then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021.
Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed it five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten are all three-time winners.
Messi scored 21 goals in 41 appearances earlier season as Paris Saint-Germain retained the Ligue 1 title before moving to Inter Miami earlier this year.
Since moving to the U.S., he has scored 11 goals in 14 games for Miami, assisting the franchise claimed its first-ever piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup.
It is Messi’s performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar that have earned him an eighth Ballon d’Or, though, as Argentina ended a 36-year wait to be crowned world champions for the third time.
As captain, Messi led Argentina to success in Qatar, scoring seven goals and helping three more as he was named as the Player of the Tournament.
He scored twice in the final and again in the penalty shootout against France as Lionel Scaloni’s team edged one of the most unforgettable showpieces in the competition’s history.
