Lionel Messi wins his 8th Ballon D’or
October 17, 2023
Word reaching in indicates that Inter Miami and Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to be crowed this year’s Ballon D’or winner for a record extending 8th time. According to Diario Sport, the 36 year old has already been informed that he’s the winner.
Lionel Messi put up an electric performance in the FIFA World Cup where he was arguably the best player. He scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists and this Qatar performance seem to be the backbone of bis road to being crowned the winner of the prestigious individual award.
Messi also became the first footballer to score in every stage of the FIFA World Cup. In PSG, he wasn’t short of brilliance either. He netted 16 goals and recorded 16 assists in the Ligue 1.
His closest rival is Manchester City and Norway striker, Erling Halaand. The Norwegian was on fire as Manchester City became the second English side to win a treble. He scored a record breaking 36 goals in the EPL.
Besides, Halaand was also the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League. The Norwegian however didn’t provide an assist or score in either of City’s finals. Therefore this might prove a hindrance to his quest for the highest individual award in world football.
Meanwhile Messi last won the Ballon D’or in 2021 before being dethroned by French forward Karim Benzema. In most of the Ballon D’ors following a World Cup year, the best performer in the tournament has always walked away with the prize.
Ronaldo Da Lima in 2002 won it despite playing a few games of the domestic games. It was the same with Fabio Cannavaro in 2006. The only exception was when Messi won it in 2010 and Ronaldo in 2014. However, the trend continued in 2018 with Luka Modric winning it.
Apparently Messi has already been informed and will be present at the awards gala in Paris on the 30th of October.