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The Journey to Greatness
Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or is a testament to his remarkable journey through global football. The award primarily recognized his outstanding performance in leading Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar, where he scored seven goals and provided three assists, ultimately being named Player of the Tournament. This triumph came after decades of pursuit, finally bringing the World Cup trophy home to Argentina after a 36-year wait.
Breaking Multiple Records
The Argentine superstar’s achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. He has now:
- Won the Ballon d’Or eight times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023)
- Become the first player to win the award while playing in MLS
- Secured the trophy with 462 points, significantly ahead of second-place Erling Haaland
The Voting Breakdown
The 2023 Ballon d’Or voting revealed an impressive lineup of global football talent. The top five players were:
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina) - 462 points
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway) - 357 points
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain, France) - 270 points
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium) - 100 points
- Rodri (Manchester City, Spain) - 57 points
A Moment of Reflection
During his acceptance speech, Messi reflected on his incredible career, stating, “I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved.” He also paid a touching tribute to Diego Maradona, mentioning that it was Maradona’s birthday and dedicating part of his achievement to the legendary Argentine footballer.
Beyond the Individual Award
The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony wasn’t just about Messi. Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin, while Emiliano Martínez claimed the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper. Jude Bellingham received the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21.
🏆 Note: Messi's victory is particularly significant as he becomes the oldest player to win the award since Stanley Matthews in 1956, showcasing that true talent knows no age limit.
The legacy continues, and football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate what more Lionel Messi will achieve in the coming years.
FAQ Section
How many Ballon d’Or awards has Lionel Messi won?
+Lionel Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023).
When and where was the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony held?
+The ceremony was held on October 30, 2023, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Is Messi the first MLS player to win the Ballon d’Or?
+Yes, Messi is the first active MLS player to win the Ballon d’Or, though the award primarily recognized his performances with Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina’s national team.