Inter Miami’s diminutive genius is fully deserving of a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or, despite a frustrating 2022-23 season at club level.
Lionel Messi’s reign as the king of football continues, as he was crowned the winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or. This marks an unprecedented eighth time that Messi has claimed the prestigious award, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
In a historic achievement, Messi’s remarkable year included leading his national team, Argentina, to World Cup glory in Qatar. It was a historic victory, ending a 36-year drought for La Albiceleste. In the World Cup final against France, Messi’s brilliance shone, as he scored twice, led his team to a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time, and played a crucial role in the penalty shootout. Unsurprisingly, he was named the Player of the Match.
Messi’s competition for the Ballon d’Or was fierce, with stars like Erling Haaland of Manchester City and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe in the running. However, the Argentinian maestro’s exceptional year set him apart from the rest.
In the 2022/23 season, while playing for PSG, Messi played 41 matches, netting 21 goals and providing 20 assists. His impact was not limited to the club level; he carried his stellar form into the World Cup. During the tournament in Qatar, Messi scored crucial goals in the group stage and each knockout round, ultimately leading Argentina to victory. He finished as the second-highest goal scorer with seven goals and received the Golden Ball for his outstanding campaign.
After his contract with PSG concluded, Messi made a significant move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) on a free transfer. Notably, he was one of the three nominees for the Ballon d’Or who currently do not play in Europe, emphasizing the global reach of his talent.
This eighth Ballon d’Or win adds to Messi’s incredible list of achievements. His previous wins came in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. The consistency of his excellence throughout his career is nothing short of extraordinary.
In second place, with five Ballon d’Or awards, is Portugal and Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Ronaldo was not nominated for the 2023 edition, marking the first time he was absent from the list since 2003.
The Premier League was well-represented in the nominations, with Manchester City contributing seven players, including Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Julian Alvarez. England’s Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham also received nominations.
The Ballon d’Or Feminin was claimed by Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, who played a pivotal role in her team’s World Cup victory. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham was named the best young player and was awarded the Kopa Trophy, highlighting the emerging talents in the world of football.
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