KUALA LUMPUR – Argentina and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world, edging Norway’s Uefa player of the year and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to bag a record prize.
Thirty-six-year-old Messi, who last won the Ballon d’Or in 2021, bagged the trophy for his role in leading Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years, beating defending champions France in the final in Qatar last year.
“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved. The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done, is amazing,” Messi was quoted as saying by Reuters.
“All of them (Ballon d’Or awards) are special for different reasons. I’m happy to get the recognition that I’m getting thanks to what we have achieved with the national team.
“This (World Cup) title we had been aiming for for so many years makes it even more special.”
When asked if he would play in the 2026 World Cup, Messi said he does not think about it, only enjoying his career day by day.
He now has three Ballons d’Or more than his closest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who last won it in 2017. In addition, Messi was runner-up on five occasions.
Messi was second to Haaland at the Uefa Awards in August.
Haaland, 23, was a favourite to win the Ballon d’Or after scoring 52 goals in 53 matches as City won the historic treble – Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin award for the world’s best goalkeeper, and Spain’s Women’s World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati won the women’s Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy for the best Under-21 player, while club teammate Vinicius Jr took home the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work off the pitch.
Vinicius was recognised for starting a foundation that is building schools in impoverished areas and investing in education in Brazil. He also vowed to keep speaking out against racism in world football.
Manchester City took home the club of the year for the second year running. – October 31, 2023