Speculation had been rife for months. Various international media have been saying that Lionel Messi is going to win the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious single award in world football. Just waiting for the official announcement. The Ballon d’Or-2023 finally came true in the hands of the Argentine superstar.
With this, the world football ‘magician’ famous star won the award eight times. His current club Inter Miami boss and legendary English footballer David Beckham named Messi as the eighth Ballon d’Or winner at the Theater du Chatel in Paris on Monday night. At this time, Messi’s three sons and his wife were present on the stage.
In the race to win the Ballon d’Or 2023, the Argentinian legend has overtaken Manchester City’s Norwegian star Arling Holland and PSG’s French star Kylian Mbappe.
On this day, while expressing his feelings with the Ballon d’Or, Messi said, ‘The moment is enjoyment. I am glad to be here again.’
At this time, Messi once again expressed his feelings about winning the World Cup. Said, ‘Winning the World Cup was my dream. It was very special that people from other countries also wanted Argentina to win the World Cup.’
Messi said about his achievements, ‘I never dreamed of such a career. I have been very fortunate to do what I have achieved. I have played in the best team in the world, the best team in history. It made it easier for me to win trophies and individual awards.’
“I have said it many times in my career that the Ballon d’Or is an important award,” said Messi, saying that the Ballon d’Or is not that important to him. It is the most beautiful award on a personal level. But I never paid much attention to it. The most important was party achievement.’
Last season was like a dream for Messi. He also suffered the only blemish in his career in the season. After 36 years, Argentina won the World Cup with the hands of Messi. He was also the best player of the tournament. This time he also won the eighth Ballon d’Or.
Lionel Messi has already written his name on the history pages by winning seven Ballon d’Or. He reached the top of history by winning the number eight. Football experts say that it is not possible for anyone to break this record.
Only the Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo is close to Messi in the record of winning the most Ballon d’Or. He has won this award six times. Ronaldo needs to win the Ballon d’Or two more times if Messi wants to go to Qatar. But that is not possible because football experts think.
This is because Ronaldo’s career is almost at the end. He can play another World Cup with great strength. He is much older than Messi. Not that Ronaldo can play for a long time in club football. As a result, Messi’s record of winning eight Ballon d’Ors will live on forever.
Incidentally, along with Messi, the Spanish World Cup-winning footballer Aitana Bonamati won the Ballon d’Or as the best female player of the year. Real Madrid’s English star Jude Bellingham won the Copa trophy for the best young player. Argentinian hawk Emiliano Martinez won the ‘Lev Yeshin Trophy’ as the best goalkeeper.
Besides, Norway’s star footballer Arling Holland won the Jard Muller trophy. He got this trophy as the best striker. Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. has received the Noscrates Award for involvement in charity work. In addition, Manchester City won the title of the best club of the year.
(31 October/AJ)