Lionel Messi has clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or title, winning the men’s award at the 2023 ceremony following his outstanding season leading Argentina to World Cup glory.
Before moving to Inter Miami in the summer, the 36-year-old masterminded Argentina’s victory in Qatar, scoring twice during the final, while also finding the back of the net during a penalty shoot-out, to help the team defeat 2018 winners France.
He also scored a whopping 32 goals in 55 games across all competitions for PSG, to help the side clinch the Ligue 1 title.
David Beckham, the co-owner of Inter Miami, presented him with the coveted award at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, to a standing ovation from members of the crowd.
‘It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,’ said Messi. ‘To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.’
Lionel Messi claimed his eighth Ballon d’Or title on Monday night in Paris
After picking up his award, the Argentina World Cup winner reflected on his career saying it was his dream to win the World Cup
The four-time Champions League winner arrived at the event alongside his family
Didier Drogba, who was leading the ceremony, asked if this Ballon d’Or was more special, considering it came from winning the 2022 World Cup, to which the 36-year-old replied: ‘They’re all special.’
He added: ‘I couldn’t imagine having the career I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved, the fortune I’ve had to be part of the best team in history.
‘To win the Copa America and to get the World Cup after all those difficult moments in the national teams,’ continues Messi.’
Speaking on Messi, Beckham said: ‘It’s very special to say he’s a Miami player and he’s in our city. He’ll celebrate this with his team-mates and his family in his way.
‘We’ll do our best to celebrate it in the Miami way. I’m sure we can do a good party.’
The four-time champions league winner beat some tough competition to claim first place, with Erling Haaland coming in second, Kylian Mbappe coming in third and Kevin De Bruyne ranking fourth.
There were seven Man City players included in the rankings with five of them, Haaland, De Bruyne (4th), Rodri (5th), Julian Alvarez (7th) Bernardo Silva (9th) making the top ten.
