Lionel Messi records his eighth Ballon d’Or, extending his record as the player with most number of wins for the prestigious award. He once again proved that he is one of the best players in the world when it comes to football. Messi defeated Erling Haaland, who is the UEFA player of the year, and the treble winner for this award. Messi‘s eighth Ballon d’Or is already three more than any other player’s award. Before this, Messi last won the contest in 2021, and just last season, he played a very important role for Argentina. He led their team for their first-ever World Cup title in 36 years, which is one of the main reasons he bagged the award. Despite his age, Messi once again proved that he is still one of the best footballers in history.
Lionel Messi continues to reach milestones
Lionel Messi fends off Manchester City’s Erling Haaland for yet another Ballon d’Or award, following his dominance last season. Due tot his, Messi now become the first MLS-based player to receive such award, although it is because of his World Cup campaign. During the awarding, it was David Beckham, Inter Miami’s co-owner who handed him the prize. After getting the award, Messi expressed that he is still in awe with all the achievements he had in his career. “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,” he said. He also added that winning all of his achievements are all special for him. “To win the Copa America, and then the World Cup is amazing. All of them are special for different reason,” he said.
Erling Haaland, who is Messi’s strongest opponent for the award, bagged the Gerd Muller Trophy. This award is given to the best striker of the year, which is not surprising for Haaland. In fact, last season, he score 52 goals, and helped Man City to win the treble. He finished second to Messi when it comes to voting, failing to win the Ballon d’Or. Prior to this record-extending award for Messi, no player have won Ballon d’Or more than him. He first won the award in 2009, followed by the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021 seasons respectively. Last season, for PSG, Messi was able to score 21 goals in 41 appearances, while scored seven goals and three assists for Argentina.
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