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 🇦🇷 Inter Miami/PSG
- Erling Haaland 🇳🇴 Manchester City
- Kylian Mbappe 🇫🇷 PSG
- Kevin De Bruyne 🇧🇪 Manchester City
- Rodri 🇪🇸 Manchester City
- Vinicius Junior 🇧🇷 Real Madrid
- Julian Alvarez 🇦🇷 Manchester City
- Victor Osimhen 🇳🇬 Napoli
- Bernardo Silva 🇵🇹 Manchester City
- Luka Modric 🇭🇷 Real Madrid
- Mohamed Salah 🇪🇬 Liverpool
- Robert Lewandowski 🇵🇱 Barcelona
- Yassine Bounou 🇲🇦 Al-Hilal/Sevilla
- Ilkay Gundogan 🇩🇪 Barcelona/Manchester City
- Emiliano Martinez 🇦🇷 Aston Villa
- Karim Benzema 🇫🇷 Al-Ittihad/Real Madrid
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 🇬🇪 Napoli
- Jude Bellingham 🏴 Real Madrid/Borussia Dortmund
- Harry Kane 🏴 Bayern Munich/Tottenham
- Lautaro Martinez 🇦🇷 Inter Milan
- Antoine Griezmann 🇫🇷 Atletico Madrid
- Kim Min-jae 🇰🇷 Bayern Munich/Napoli
- Andre Onana 🇨🇲 Manchester United/Inter Milan
- Bukayo Saka 🏴 Arsenal
- Josko Gvardiol 🇭🇷 Manchester City/RB Leipzig
- Jamal Musiala 🇩🇪 Bayern Munich
- Nicolo Barella 🇮🇹 Inter Milan
T28. Randal Kolo Muani 🇫🇷 Eintracht Frankfurt/PSG
T28. Martin Odegaard 🇳🇴 Arsenal - Ruben Dias 🇵🇹 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.
