Messi triumphs with record 8th Ballon d’Or

Inter Miami CF superstar Leo Messi, took home the Ballon d’Or for a record 8^th time, as he beat competition from the Sky Blues forward Erling Haaland after winning with his country Argentina the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

The Argentinian superstar (36) becomes the 1^st MLS-based footballer to claim the prestigious award, as the biggest thing that decided the trophy to land in Lionel’s hands was the triumph with Argentina.

The 🐐 has done it again!
8️⃣ Ballons d’Or!

The Barça family is proud of you, Leo Messi! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/6w2UAI6LKC

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 30, 2023

Inter Miami owner and ex-Red Devils superstar David Beckham handled the Ballon d’Or to Messi’s hands at the ceremony in Paris, France.

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Haaland, who netted 52 goals last campaign as the Sky Blues won the Treble in 2022-23, finished in the 2^nd place in the ranking but took home the Gerd Muller Trophy given to the best forward of the year.

Even before today, no footballer had won the trophy more times than the Argentinian, who 1^st won the Ballon d’Or in 2009 and then was 1^st in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021.

✨ Leo Messi wins the Ballon d’Or 2023 and it’s his 8th Ballon d’Or, it’s official!

2009 — 2010 — 2011 — 2012 — 2015 — 2019 — 2021 — 2023 ⭐️🇦🇷

Legend of the game. pic.twitter.com/YeZaFpZyq3

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 30, 2023