Lionel Messi Wins the Ballon d'Or 2023 Award
- AP Photo/Michel Euler
Paris – Lionel Messi has earned his eighth Ballon d'Or title, winning the men's award at the 2023 ceremony following his outstanding season leading Argentina to World Cup glory.
On the night of the award at the Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, on Tuesday, Messi was a player favorite to win it.
His closest competitors are Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
"The 2023 Ballon d'Or winner is Lionel Messi," said David Beckham when announcing the list of winners.
Messi's slick performance with the Argentina national team is a strong reason to win Ballon d Or 2023. This record beat Erling Haaland who won the treble winners with ManCity.
Messi thanked his Argentina coach, teammates and staff for making his 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 through a translator.
“Becoming world champion was the title we were missing. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make Argentina the world champion team.”
As information, Messi successfully won the 2022 World Cup. In the tournament that took place in Qatar, La Pulga donated seven goals as well as being the best player.
Messi is increasingly leaving his competitor Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo, who is now defending Al Nassr, has only won five Ballon d'Or.