The prediction came through. Lionel Messi has won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or Trophy after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.
Celebrating the award, a big screen behind everyone screamed the obvious; “Messi is Infinity.”
Messi who looked radiant in black suit and bow- tie, quipped about the win, “It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment. To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.”
Messi continued, “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.”
To complete the award, they organisers first ran down the players who have ranked 5-30 in the men’s Ballon d’Or.
And then arrived at the final four; Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland, PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and his old team-mate Lionel Messi.
The screen later confirmed Erling Haaland finished second and Kylian Mbappe finished third, while Kevin de Bruyne was fourth.
In all, seven awards were also up for grabs at ceremony in France.
Aitana Bonmati won women’s Ballon d’Or.
20 year old Jude Bellingham won trophy for best young player while team mate at Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr won Socrates award.
Barcelona won women’s club award and Man City won men’s club award.
Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez won award for best goalkeeper
Erling Haaland given award for best goalscorer.
Summing up Messi’s record feat,
Michael of Newcastle, said: Anyone saying Messi is an undeserving winner knows little about football. He’s been exceptional for Argentina in the World cup and outside of it, scoring 26 goals in 20 appearances. He has scored and assisted more than 20 goals for PSG in the 22/23 season. Messi has the highest match rating in the top 5 divisions with a rating if 8.48 (yes he actually played well for PSG). Single handledly transformed the worst team in MLS. Deserved winner!
Earlier, Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was announced the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the first time.
Bonmati
The 25-year-old reportedly enjoyed a hugely successful year as she helped her club triumph in the Spanish top flight and Champions League, and her country win the World Cup in the summer.
