In a historic moment, Lionel Messi, the football legend, has claimed the Ballon d’Or for an unprecedented eighth time. His remarkable achievement is attributed to his pivotal role in securing the World Cup title for Argentina in Qatar the previous year. The win was particularly special as it filled the only void in his illustrious career.
The 36-year-old Messi outshone the competition, including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and his former teammate from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Kylian Mbappe, to clinch this prestigious award. During the award ceremony, Messi expressed his gratitude to his Argentina coach, teammates, and staff for making this incredible victory possible.
“Tonight I’m enjoying myself. It’s a pleasure that will never leave me, and I hope to be able to enjoy it for many years to come,” Messi said. “Becoming world champion was the title we were missing. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make Argentina the world champion team.”
Messi’s victory was not only about individual brilliance but also a tribute to his team’s collective effort. He also took a moment to honor the memory of the late Diego Maradona, a fellow Argentine who played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup win.
Aitana Bonmati was awarded the women’s Ballon d’Or for her significant contributions to Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup in August. Her stellar performances were not limited to the international stage, as she also played a crucial role in Barcelona’s triumph in the Women’s Champions League and the Spanish league.
After missing out on the shortlist for the 2022 Ballon d’Or, Messi made a triumphant return to claim the crown. This time, it was all about his stellar performance at the World Cup in Qatar. During the tournament, Messi was involved in ten goals for Argentina, scoring seven and providing three assists. He even netted twice in the final against France.
However, his final season with PSG was less glamorous. Despite winning the French league, PSG exited the Champions League in the round of 16. Nonetheless, Messi’s brilliance on the international stage shone through, making him a deserving Ballon d’Or winner.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Messi, as it was the first time a Major League Soccer (MLS)-based player received this recognition. He was presented the trophy by former Manchester United star David Beckham, who is one of the owners of Messi’s new club, Inter Miami.
“I’m very happy with the decisions I’ve made and to be with Miami,” Messi expressed his contentment with the move to MLS.
Messi’s victory was well-deserved, but the competition was fierce. Haaland led Manchester City to a treble of trophies last season, clinching the Champions League, English Premier League, and FA Cup while scoring an impressive 52 goals.
Bonmati’s performance was equally remarkable. She not only won the UEFA best women’s player award but also received the Golden Ball for the top Women’s World Cup player, having scored three goals and provided two assists during the tournament. Her achievement followed in the footsteps of her teammate Alexia Putellas, who won the award in the past two years.
Last year marked a significant change for the Ballon d’Or awards, which are now based on achievements from the past season, as opposed to performances throughout the calendar year. The awards have come a long way since Stanley Matthews won the first Ballon d’Or in 1956. Additionally, the women’s Ballon d’Or was introduced in 2018 and both were canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
In other accolades, Jude Bellingham was named the best under-21 player, while Haaland received the Gerd Müller award for the best striker of the year. The Lev Yashin award for best goalkeeper went to Emiliano Martinez, although his win was met with mixed reactions.
The humanitarian prize, named after the late Brazilian midfielder Socrates, was awarded to Vinicius Junior for his efforts in setting up a foundation for underprivileged children. The Real Madrid player has also been a staunch advocate in the fight against racism, despite facing racist abuse in the Spanish league.
In summary, Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win stands as a testament to his extraordinary career and his pivotal role in securing Argentina’s World Cup triumph. The awards ceremony recognized not only individual brilliance but also the exceptional talent in the world of soccer.
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