World-renowned football maestro Lionel Messi has once again claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or, marking his eighth triumph, extending his unprecedented record in the history of football. The Argentine captain secured this accolade, surpassing stiff competition from Erling Haaland, the Norwegian prodigy and standout player for Manchester City.
Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or number 8-Source: X
At the age of 36, Messi now boasts three more Ballon d’Or trophies than his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who last clinched the award in 2017. Demonstrating his consistent brilliance, Messi has placed within the top three an astounding 14 times, a record-setting achievement, securing the second position on five occasions.
The 🐐 has done it again!
8️⃣ Ballons d’Or!The Barça family is proud of you, Leo Messi! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/6w2UAI6LKC
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 30, 2023
The football legend, who first claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2009 and achieved an unprecedented streak of four consecutive victories until 2012, recently claimed the second spot behind Haaland in the UEFA Best Awards in August.
Notably, Messi’s exceptional performance in the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, where he received the Golden Ball for the best player and the Silver Boot for his seven goals and three assists, contributed significantly to his victory over the young Norwegian striker for this esteemed award.
✨ Leo Messi wins the Ballon d’Or 2023 and it’s his 8th Ballon d’Or, it’s official!
2009 — 2010 — 2011 — 2012 — 2015 — 2019 — 2021 — 2023 ⭐️🇦🇷
Legend of the game. pic.twitter.com/YeZaFpZyq3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 30, 2023
While Haaland emerged as a strong contender after an outstanding season, recording 52 goals in 53 matches across various competitions, including victories in the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League, Messi’s extraordinary display in the World Cup steered the scales in his favor for the award.
The World Cup has been the only major tournament that had eluded Messi, compensating for Argentina’s loss in the 2014 final against Germany. In March, he became the third player in history to score 100 international goals, further solidifying his remarkable legacy in the sport.
Moreover, Messi’s triumphs extended beyond the international stage, securing the French league title with Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami, where his contribution aided the team in securing the Campeones Cup, marking the club’s first major title in its history.
| Achievement | Lionel Messi | |
|---|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or Wins | 8 | |
| Age | 36 | |
| International Goals | 100 | |
| Notable Victories | World Cup Golden Ball, Silver Boot | |
| Recent Club Success | French league title with PSG, Campeones Cup with Inter Miami |
Lionel Messi’s unparalleled accomplishments in the footballing world continue to solidify his position as one of the greatest players of all time, with this eighth Ballon d’Or cementing his legacy in the annals of the sport’s history.
This comprehensive achievement further underscores Messi’s relentless dedication, skill, and influence in the realm of football, setting a standard that few, if any, may ever replicate.
