In a historic night in Paris, France, football legend Lionel Messi added yet another jewel to his glittering career, claiming his eighth Ballon d’Or.
This achievement shatters the previous record held by the 2022 World Cup victor and cements his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
The award ceremony on Monday night saw Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami, being hailed as the deserving recipient of the prestigious accolade.
Many believe that this recognition is a fitting tribute to his exceptional leadership, which guided Argentina to World Cup glory in the previous year.
At 36 years old, Messi succeeded Karim Benzema to claim the honor for his remarkable performances in the past season when he inspired Argentina to a stunning World Cup victory.
It was during the tournament in Qatar that Messi showcased his extraordinary skills, ultimately leading his country to a victory that marked a crowning moment in his illustrious career.
The competition for the Ballon d’Or was intense, with formidable players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland vying for the coveted award.
In the end, Haaland secured the second spot in the final voting, while Mbappe took the third position.
Kevin De Bruyne also received recognition, finishing in fourth place.
Messi’s World Cup heroics saw him score seven crucial goals, earning him the title of the tournament’s best player.
His performance reached its pinnacle when Argentina triumphed over France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final match in Doha.
Despite his remarkable achievements with the national team, Messi experienced a somewhat lackluster final season at Paris Saint-Germain before making the surprising move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Meanwhile, his former PSG teammate, Mbappe, made a compelling case for the Ballon d’Or with his stunning World Cup performances, emerging as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, including a memorable hat-trick in the final for France.
Erling Haaland, the prolific striker from Norway, showcased his remarkable skills throughout the year, scoring an incredible 52 goals in 53 games for Manchester City. His outstanding contributions played a significant role in Manchester City’s remarkable treble win, securing the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or triumph is a testament to his enduring brilliance on the football pitch, solidifying his place in the annals of football history.
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