Lionel Messi has solidified his status as an eight-time Ballon d’Or champion, decisively settling the long-standing Cristiano Ronaldo debate.
The 36-year-old, currently playing for Inter Miami, clinched the title ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, based solely on his performance during the 2022/23 season. Messi’s remarkable achievements include leading PSG to Ligue 1 victory and securing World Cup gold for Argentina in Qatar.
With this latest victory, Messi stands alone as the greatest player in history, adding the eighth golden ball trophy to his previous wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021, all of which showcased his extraordinary contributions while at Barcelona.
Speaking on stage, Messi reflected, “I couldn’t have envisioned the career I’ve had and all that I’ve accomplished, the privilege of being part of the best team in history. Winning the Copa America and the World Cup after enduring many challenges with the national teams.”
Ranking of #BallonDor 2023:
1- Lionel Messi
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.… pic.twitter.com/Zkjk0yCVxk— Troll Football (parody) (@Troll_Fotballl) October 30, 2023
Following the presentation of the award, the 36-year-old was joined by his children, Ciro, Thiago, and Mateo, while his wife, Antonela, radiated with pride from the audience as the camera captured her emotions.
Hosted by Didier Drogba, the 2023 ceremony took place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, and it has been organized by the magazine France Football since 1956.
Lionel Messi and his family posed for photographs before the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, with Messi looking dapper in a black tuxedo and Roccuzzo elegantly dressed in a lavish black gown.
Family time for Messi! 😍#ballondor pic.twitter.com/CYGQKh9YMX
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
