Sports

Leo Messi wins his 8th Ballon d’Or

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2023

Leo Messi wins his 8th Ballon d’Or

Messi was the star at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and, with the change in the rules – successes are now counted per season rather than per calendar year – the balance has tipped in his favour. At club level, he won the Ligue 1 title at PSG and has made a big impact at Inter Miami since his arrival.

The 36-year-old Argentinian has maintained a high level of play that has allowed him to deservedly be considered the best player on the planet. At Qatar 2022 he was the heart and soul of Argentina and scored two goals in the final against France, as well as converting their penalty in the shootout.

Leo Messi lifted the World Cup, the third for his country 36 years later. It was the icing on the cake of an extraordinary career in which he won every possible title with both FC Barcelona and the Albiceleste.

The merit is impressive as he had to put up with the comparison with Diego Armando Maradona for a long time and closed the debate in Qatar. And no one can argue that he is the best in the history of football.

Lionel Messi: “This award comes hand in hand with what has been achieved with the Argentina team. This is a gift to the players, coaching staff and the all people in Argentina.”

“Today I wanted to mention Diego. There’s no better place to wish him happy birthday here around many people loving football, as he wanted”.

“Wherever you are, Diego… happy bday. This goes also for you”.

Lionel Messi to Erling Haaland: “As I said, he deserved the Ballon d’Or very much too. Erling has won the PL and UCL while being the top scorer of everything. This award could have been yours today too, so I’m sure for the next years you will win it…”

Lionel Messi’s 2022/23 season:

✅ Highest rated player in Ligue 1 (8.28)

✅ Highest rated player in the #UCL (7.86)

✅ Highest rated player at the 2022 World Cup (8.25)

🏆 Ligue 1 winner

🏆 World Cup winner

⭐️ 19 Player of the Match performances

🌕 Ballon D’Or winner

🟡 8 Ballon d’Or