Miami, USA – Lionel Messi, the esteemed captain of Argentina, clinched an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or, reaffirming his status as the world’s preeminent football talent. The ceremony, held in Miami, bore witness to Messi’s ascendancy over his contemporaries, including the dynamic Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s triumphant treble-winning star and Norway’s UEFA Player of the Year.
Messi, now plying his trade with Inter Miami, previously grasped this prestigious accolade in 2021. His pivotal role in orchestrating Argentina’s triumphant march to their first World Cup championship in 36 years, vanquishing defending champions France in a momentous final, underscored his enduring brilliance.
At 36 years of age, Messi has surged three Ballons d’Or clear of his perennial rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who last claimed the coveted award in 2017. Remarkably, Messi has secured a position among the top three an unmatched 14 times, finishing as the runner-up on five occasions.
“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 humbly remarked.
“All of them (Ballon d’Or awards) are special for different reasons,” he continued, his humility resounding.
Messi expressed his elation at the recognition he has received, attributing it to the collective achievements with the national team, saying, “This (World Cup) title we had been aiming for for so many years makes it even more special.”
As inquiries swirled about his commitment until the 2026 World Cup, Messi remained circumspect: “I don’t think about it. I’ll enjoy (my career) day by day. There will first be the Copa America in the United States (in 2024). (The World Cup), I don’t think about it.”
In a prelude to Messi’s triumph, his World Cup-winning compatriot, Emiliano Martinez, secured the Lev Yashin Award, lauding him as the world’s premier goalkeeper.
Furthermore, Spain’s Women’s World Cup champion and Barcelona midfielder, Aitana Bonmati, was honored with the women’s Ballon d’Or, an acknowledgment she deftly shared with her team.
Erling Haaland, aged 23, had been a leading contender for his maiden Ballon d’Or. His impressive tally of 52 goals in 53 matches across all competitions during the previous season fortified his candidacy, especially as Manchester City clinched the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup. Nonetheless, Argentina’s captivating sojourn at the World Cup in Qatar, punctuated by Messi’s receipt of the Golden Ball for the tournament’s finest player and the Silver Boot (for notching seven goals and three assists), ultimately guided him to victory over the Norwegian sensation.
The World Cup was the missing piece of Messi’s illustrious career, as Argentina atoned for their 2014 final loss to Germany. In March, he etched his name in history by becoming the third player ever to reach the centenary mark in international goals.
Before his move to Inter Miami, Messi added the Ligue 1 title to his accolades with Paris St Germain, culminating in a fruitful stint that culminated in his new team securing the Leagues Cup, their inaugural major trophy.
The gala also celebrated Jude Bellingham, the young talent from Real Madrid and England, who was bestowed the Kopa Trophy, honoring him as the preeminent player under 21. In a commendable gesture of altruism, Vinicius Jr., Bellingham’s club teammate, was awarded the Socrates Award for his humanitarian contributions off the field.
