Messi Ballon d’Or: How the Argentine Star Made History Again in 2023
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his achievements in 2023 have only cemented his legacy. The Inter Miami and Argentina forward won the Ballon d’Or – awarded to the best player in the world – for the eighth time, breaking his own record and leaving his rivals behind. ¹
Messi had a sensational season in 2023, leading Inter Miami to their first ever MLS Cup title and scoring 32 goals in 28 games. He also helped Argentina win the Copa América for the second consecutive time, scoring four goals and providing six assists in the tournament. He was named the best player of both competitions, earning praise from fans, pundits and fellow players. ¹
Messi faced stiff competition for the Ballon d’Or from other outstanding performers, such as Erling Haaland, who scored 41 goals in 38 games for Manchester City and won the Premier League and the Champions League; Kylian Mbappé, who scored 36 goals in 33 games for Paris Saint-Germain and won the Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France; and Kevin De Bruyne, who was instrumental in Manchester City’s domestic and European success, providing 18 goals and 24 assists in all competitions. ²
However, Messi’s individual brilliance and teamss achievements were enough to convince the jury of journalists from around the world that he deserved the prestigious award once again. He received 487 votes out of a possible 600, followed by Haaland with 372 votes and Mbappé with 301 votes. ¹
Messi received the Ballon d’Or trophy from former France Football editor-in-chief Pascal Ferré at a glamorous ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on October 30. He thanked his family, teammates, coaches and fans for their support and dedicated the award to his late friend and mentor Diego Maradona, who passed away in November 2020. ¹
Messi also expressed his gratitude to Inter Miami for giving him the opportunity to play in a new league and a new country, after he left Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent at the end of his contract in July 2023. He said he was enjoying his new challenge and hoped to bring more joy to the fans of his club and his national team. ¹
With this latest accolade, Messi has further established himself as one of the most decorated players in football history. He has won a total of 42 trophies in his career, including ten La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, one Ligue 1 title, one MLS Cup title, two Copa América titles and one Olympic gold medal. He has also won eight Ballon d’Or awards, six European Golden Shoes, seven FIFA The Best awards, six Pichichi trophies and many more individual honors. ¹
At 36 years old, Messi shows no signs of slowing down or losing his passion for the game. He continues to dazzle fans with his skills, creativity and goalscoring prowess. He is a true legend of the sport and an inspiration for millions of people around the world. Messi Ballon d’Or is not just a phrase, it is a phenomenon. ¹
(1) 2023 Ballon d’Or – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Ballon_d%27Or.
(2) Ballon d’Or award 2023: Messi, Haaland lead nominees – ESPN. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38337365/ballon-dor-award-2023-messi-haaland-lead-nominees.
(3) Who will win Ballon d’Or 2023? Shortlist, favourites, latest odds. https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/eu-uefa-champions-league/2022/11/ballon-dor-2023-who-shortlist-favourites-latest-odds-date-hosts-winners.
(4) When is Ballon d’Or 2023? Key date for major football award. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/when-ballon-dor-2023-key-date-major-football-award/ypty8its54uovrusv6ixtoob.
(5) Ballon d’Or 2023: How to watch, date, time, nominees, venue and voting …. https://www.90min.com/posts/ballon-d-or-2023-how-to-watch-date-time-nominees-venue-and-voting-explained.
