Messi Clinches 8th Ballon d’Or Following World Cup Victory
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi claimed his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award on Monday, showcasing his immense skill and pivotal role in leading Argentina to a glorious 2022 World Cup triumph.
The prestigious individual accolade was bestowed on the 36-year-old maestro, recognizing his exceptional World Cup performance that brought success to his country. Outperforming prolific Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Messi secured the award at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Despite Haaland’s groundbreaking feats in the Premier League, notably setting the single-season scoring record and aiding Manchester City in clinching a historic treble during the 2022-23 season, Messi’s outstanding display during the World Cup steered the judges’ decision in his favour.
The Argentine superstar scored seven goals, including a crucial brace against France in a thrilling final, guiding Argentina to their third World Cup triumph. His tournament contribution, which also comprised three assists, featured moments of sublime brilliance that powered the Albiceleste to victory.
Acknowledging the honour, Messi expressed his gratitude for his remarkable career and the achievements he’s secured. “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,” said Messi in reflection upon his latest triumph.
Messi’s Ballon d’Or win reflected his success at the World Cup more than his club form. His last season at Paris Saint-Germain was challenging, and the Argentine later admitted his discomfort during his tenure in the French capital before making a remarkable move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
This latest Ballon d’Or victory marked Messi’s third win in the last four editions and his eighth overall, solidifying his position ahead of long-standing rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has clinched the trophy five times.
Paying tribute to his late compatriot Diego Maradona, Messi acknowledged Maradona’s birthday in his acceptance speech, expressing heartfelt sentiments and commemorating the iconic football figure.
- Lionel Messi ๐ฆ๐ท Inter Miami/PSG
- Erling Haaland ๐ณ๐ด Manchester City
- Kylian Mbappe ๐ซ๐ท PSG
- Kevin De Bruyne ๐ง๐ช Manchester City
- Rodri ๐ช๐ธ Manchester City
- Vinicius Junior ๐ง๐ท Real Madrid
- Julian Alvarez ๐ฆ๐ท Manchester City
- Victor Osimhen ๐ณ๐ฌ Napoli
- Bernardo Silva ๐ต๐น Manchester City
- Luka Modric ๐ญ๐ท Real Madrid
- Mohamed Salah ๐ช๐ฌ Liverpool
- Robert Lewandowski ๐ต๐ฑ Barcelona
- Yassine Bounou ๐ฒ๐ฆ Al-Hilal/Sevilla
- Ilkay Gundogan ๐ฉ๐ช Barcelona/Manchester City
- Emiliano Martinez ๐ฆ๐ท Aston Villa
- Karim Benzema ๐ซ๐ท Al-Ittihad/Real Madrid
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ๐ฌ๐ช Napoli
- Jude Bellingham ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Real Madrid/Borussia Dortmund
- Harry Kane ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Bayern Munich/Tottenham
- Lautaro Martinez ๐ฆ๐ท Inter Milan
- Antoine Griezmann ๐ซ๐ท Atletico Madrid
- Kim Min-jae ๐ฐ๐ท Bayern Munich/Napoli
- Andre Onana ๐จ๐ฒ Manchester United/Inter Milan
- Bukayo Saka ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Arsenal
- Josko Gvardiol ๐ญ๐ท Manchester City/RB Leipzig
- Jamal Musiala ๐ฉ๐ช Bayern Munich
- Nicolo Barella ๐ฎ๐น Inter Milan
T28. Randal Kolo Muani ๐ซ๐ท Eintracht Frankfurt/PSG
T28. Martin Odegaard ๐ณ๐ด Arsenal - Ruben Dias ๐ต๐น Manchester City
Also on Monday, Spanish superstar and World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati took home the Ballon d’Or Feminin. In other awards, Real Madrid phenom Jude Bellingham claimed the Kopa Trophy as the world’s best player under 21 years of age, while Messi’s international teammate Emiliano Martinez earned the Yachine Trophy as the game’s top goalkeeper.
