Lionel Messi, the standout player for Inter Miami CF, has secured his eighth Ballon d’Or, setting a new record. This remarkable achievement comes after he successfully guided Argentina to victory in the World Cup last year, triumphing over stiff competition from Manchester City’s prolific striker, Erling Haaland.
Messi, 36, becomes the first MLS-based player to claim the coveted prize, although the triumph comes largely on the back of his exploits with his country in Qatar. Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham handed his prize-signing Messi the award in Paris.
At the age of 36, Lionel Messi has etched his name in history by becoming the first player based in Major League Soccer (MLS) to secure the prestigious Ballon d’Or. It’s important to note that this achievement is predominantly a result of his outstanding performances with the Argentine national team during the World Cup held in Qatar. The award presentation took place in Paris, where David Beckham, a former Manchester United player and co-owner of Inter Miami, had the honor of presenting Messi with this coveted prize.
Lionel Messi, aged 36, has made history as the first MLS-based player to clinch the Ballon d’Or. Notably, this achievement is primarily attributed to his exceptional performances with the Argentine national team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The prestigious award was presented in Paris by David Beckham, a former Manchester United player and co-owner of Inter Miami.
Erling Haaland, who had a phenomenal season with Manchester City, scoring 52 goals and helping his team secure the Treble in 2022-23, came in second in the Ballon d’Or voting. He also received the Gerd Muller Trophy, recognizing him as the best striker of the year. the standout player
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Messi expressed his gratitude, saying, “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.”
Before Messi’s award presentation, Aitana Bonmatí, a Barcelona and Spain midfielder, was honored with the Ballon d’Or Féminin. She had an outstanding year with both her club and country, helping Barcelona secure Liga F and the Champions League, followed by leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.
Additional awards on Monday included Emiliano Martinez, Messi’s Argentine teammate, receiving the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, and England’s Jude Bellingham, a Real Madrid midfielder, being presented with the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21.
In a touching tribute, during his acceptance speech, Messi wished his fellow countryman Diego Maradona a happy birthday. The legendary 1986 World Cup winner, who passed away on November 22, 2020, would have turned 63 on that Monday.
Even before Monday’s ceremony in Paris, Messi had already set an unparalleled record, having won the Ballon d’Or more times than any other player. His previous victories were in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021.