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The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner was revealed, as Lionel Messi took home the record-breaking eighth prize.
After a 36-year wait, the Inter Miami and Argentina striker, who played for Paris Saint-Germain the previous season, led his team to the World Cup in Qatar in December. The 36-year-old Messi has more wins than anybody else with three.
At a ceremony in Paris on Monday, Lionel Messi was declared the winner of the Ballon d’Or 2023. This is his eighth consecutive year to earn the esteemed prize.
Last winter, Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It was the first time he had won the competition, ending a 36-year drought for La Albiceleste.
The 36-year-old was named player of the match and scored twice in a thrilling December final against France that ended 3-3 after extra time. He also scored in the penalty shootout.
To win the prize, Messi had to overcome opposition from 26 other nominations, including Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Kylian Mbappe, his former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain.
He played 41 games in the 2022–2023 season, scoring 21 goals and dishing out 20 assists as PSG won the league title.
Messi scored twice during the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar. He also scored against Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia, and the final, all on target.
With seven goals, he came in second on the all-time goalscorer standings and was awarded the Golden Ball at the tournament’s end for an excellent campaign.
He expressed his gratitude to his national team teammates on stage, saying, “Thank you very much,I will like to share this with my national team-mates for what we were able to achieve with the national team.
“The entire group, the coaching staff, everyone involved. I’m delighted to be here once more to be able to enjoy this moment one more time.
“To be able to win the World Cup and really achieve my dream, to share this with all those who were involved.”
“To finish, I want to say happy birthday to Diego Maradona” Messi added.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
