Lionel Messi’s Eighth Ballon d’Or: A Game-Changer for Global Football
In a spectacular turn of events, Lionel Messi, the star of Inter Miami CF, has clinched the Ballon d’Or for an unprecedented eighth time, outshining Manchester City’s prolific striker, Erling Haaland. His path to this accolade was paved by his outstanding leadership that led Argentina to victory in the World Cup last year.
At the age of 36, Messi has achieved the distinction of becoming the first player based in Major League Soccer (MLS) to lay claim to this coveted prize. Nonetheless, this remarkable feat owes much of its glory to his exceptional performances with the Argentine national team in Qatar. The award was personally presented to him by none other than David Beckham, the former Manchester United player and co-owner of Inter Miami.
In the global football scene, Haaland, who netted an astounding 52 goals in the previous season, played a crucial role in Manchester City’s triumphant Treble win for the 2022-23 season. This extraordinary achievement saw him deservedly clinching the Gerd Muller Trophy, an accolade bestowed upon the finest striker of the year.
Upon receiving the Ballon d’Or, Messi humbly reflected on his remarkable career, stating, “I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved—the fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies.”
He continued, “To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them, these Ballon d’Or awards, are special for different reasons.”
Before Messi’s well-deserved recognition, Aitana Bonmatí, the talented midfielder from Barcelona and Spain, secured the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Her record-breaking year with both club and country included crucial contributions to Barcelona’s Liga F and Champions League victories, followed by leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.
The awards ceremony also celebrated the exceptional talents of other players. Messi’s compatriot, Emiliano Martinez, was honored with the Yashin Trophy, recognizing him as the best goalkeeper. England’s Jude Bellingham, who plies his trade with Real Madrid, received the Kopa Trophy, acknowledging him as the world’s finest player under the age of 21.
During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Messi took a moment to remember his fellow countryman, Diego Maradona, who would have turned 63 on that day. Diego, the 1986 World Cup legend who passed away on November 22, 2020, was close to Messi’s heart. “My last mention is for Diego,” Messi said. “Today is his birthday. So I would like to remember him from here, surrounded by the best players, coaches, and people who love football like he did. Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you.”
Even before the ceremony, Messi had already etched his name into the annals of football history. No other player had secured the Ballon d’Or more times than him. He initially claimed the title in 2009, and subsequently in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021.
Messi’s remarkable prowess on the pitch was evident in the previous season, where he contributed 21 goals in 41 appearances, helping Paris Saint-Germain retain their Ligue 1 title before embarking on a new journey with Inter Miami.
Since joining the United States, Messi has continued to dazzle, notching 11 goals in 14 games for Miami. His remarkable efforts contributed to the franchise’s historic victory in the Leagues Cup.
However, it’s important to note that he faced some setbacks towards the end of the regular MLS season due to injury, which hindered Inter Miami’s pursuit of a playoff spot. Yet, it was Messi’s outstanding performances in the 2022 World Cup that truly solidified his claim to an eighth Ballon d’Or. Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, marking their third World Cup victory, was made possible largely due to Messi’s exceptional contributions. He scored seven goals and provided three assists, earning him the Player of the Tournament title.
In the thrilling final match against France, Messi showcased his brilliance by scoring twice and delivering during the penalty shootout, contributing to Lionel Scaloni’s team’s victory in one of the competition’s most unforgettable showdowns. It was a moment of redemption for Messi, who had come close to World Cup glory on four previous occasions, including a heart-wrenching loss in the 2014 final to Germany.
At the age of 36 years and four months, Messi also secured the distinction of being the second-oldest player to ever claim the Ballon d’Or, supplanting the previous year’s winner, Karim Benzema. Only Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956 at the age of 41, stands as the oldest recipient.
Messi’s initial six Ballon d’Or titles were secured during his tenure with Barcelona, where he remains the club’s top goalscorer and appearance holder. His seventh Ballon d’Or was captured shortly after joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, following his success in the Copa America with Argentina.
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