Lionel Messi Secures Eighth Ballon d’Or in Paris

Argentinian Football icon Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or in his illustrious career during the 2022-23 season. This momentous achievement took place at a glamorous ceremony in Paris on Monday, where Messi outshone formidable competitors, including Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, to claim the accolade at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris.

Upon receiving the award on the grand stage, Messi expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is a tribute to the entire Argentina team for our collective accomplishments.”

In a touching gesture, Messi dedicated the trophy to the memory of the late Argentine legend Diego Maradona, as Monday would have marked Maradona’s 63rd birthday.

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Furthermore, Messi previously secured the “Ballon d’Or” in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021, making him the sole player to win it across three different decades. Additionally, he is the exclusive player to have clinched four consecutive “Ballon d’Or” awards.

It’s worth noting that Argentina emerged as the champions of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi leading the squad to victory.

Messi not only claimed the FIFA World Cup 2022 Player of the Tournament award but also delivered an impressive performance during the 2022-23 season, amassing 32 goals and 25 assists.

Meanwhile, Portuguese football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the second position in the list of “Ballon d’Or” award recipients, having earned this prestigious honor five times.