Lionel Messi won the much anticipated Ballon d’Or for the 8th time in his career on Monday during a star-studded ceremony in Paris. Messi won the accolade on the back of a historic World Cup victory for Argentina in Qatar, where he inspired Argentina to the World Cup victory by scoring seven goals.
Messi succeeded Karim Benzema to won this prestigious award who won it last year. Messi's standout performances in Qatar, where he led his country to victory, played a pivotal role in securing the Ballon d'Or. Despite fierce competition from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, Messi emerged as the winner. Haaland claimed the second spot in the final vote, with Mbappe finishing third and Kevin De Bruyne in fourth place.
The former Barcelona icon found the net seven times at the World Cup and was rightfully named the tournament's top player after Argentina's thrilling victory against France in the Doha final, which was decided by a penalty shootout."
Messi had fierce competition this time around
Messi who is 36 years old won his first Ballon d’Or way back in 2009 and has won it eight times since then which is the most by any player in history followed by Cristiano Ronaldo who has won it five times to date.
His former PSG compatriot, Mbappe, bolstered his bid with an astounding display at the World Cup, clinching the tournament's Golden Boot with eight goals, including a memorable hat-trick in the final that sealed victory for France.
Meanwhile, Norwegian striker Haaland showcased his prowess by scoring an astonishing 52 goals in 53 matches for Manchester City, contributing significantly to their triumphant campaign across the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Both Haaland and De Bruyne were key figures in the City squad and rightfully earned nominations for the award."
Messi is considered the GOAT in the world of Football and watching him win the Ballon d’Or for the 8th time got his fans going all around the world who took it to “X” formerly known as Twitter to express their feelings while Messi was seen receiving the Award in Paris.
Look at some of the best responses on “X” are:
Messi is massive 🔥 pic.twitter.com/U58sg0TL0f
— Avinash P (@avinashparmar97) October 30, 2023
Goat 🐐 pic.twitter.com/r5SAV0IOym
— Sports With Bros (@brosswb) October 31, 2023
He is a true legend in the sport, and his eighth Ballon d'Or win is a testament to his enduring greatness.
— Farhad khan (@imFarhadkhan) October 30, 2023
🐐 8️⃣ Ballons d'Or! Messi, you're making history and we're loving every moment of it.
— S O H A I L👓 ( سہیل ) (@Msohailsays) October 30, 2023
Proud to be fans of the greatest ever! 💙❤️ #Messi #GOAT pic.twitter.com/aWbTwoUn5R
GOD of football. Finally for 8th time. pic.twitter.com/vu3aPWk0TY
— Sarwar Khan (@serverkhanbaba) October 31, 2023
True champion 🏆 🐐
— Sanfornow (@sanfornow_2040) October 30, 2023
Goat ❤️ pic.twitter.com/izvPl8Cmjg
— Mr.Yadav🏹 (@Mr_Yadav360) October 31, 2023
8th time #BallonDor winner smile
— Sammy 𝕏 (@sammyX39) October 30, 2023
Messi 🐐
Which one are you? pic.twitter.com/feyeqSXaYW