Last Updated: October 31, 2023, 09:07 IST
Lionel Messi clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or (Reuters)
Lionel Messi received his file-extending eight Ballon d’Or forward of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe however many followers weren’t blissful.
Lionel Messi received the Ballon d’Or for a file-extending eighth time on Monday after fulfilling his life’s ambition by main Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar final yr. Messi Ballon d’Or checklist reads 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and now 2023.
Adding to his silverware the one main trophy that eluded him in his storied profession was the decisive think about an in any other case fairly mundane season — for his requirements — at Paris Saint-Germain.
ALSO READ | Lionel Messi Wins Record-extending Eighth Ballon d’Or
The 36-yr-outdated Messi received forward of Manchester City ahead Erling Haaland and his former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe.
Messi thanked his Argentina coach, teammates and employees for making his victory attainable.
“Tonight I’m enjoying myself. It’s a pleasure that will never leave me, and I hope to be able to enjoy it for many years to come,” Messi stated by way of a translator. “Becoming world champion was the title we were missing. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make Argentina the world champion team.”
Messi additionally paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona, who additionally helped Argentina win the World Cup, again in 1986.
“This title and this trophy,” Messi stated, “I share them with you and all our Argentina comrades.”
Nobody else has received greater than 5 Ballon d’Or. Cristiano Ronaldo has 5, and Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten every received it thrice.
Fans although weren’t blissful as many felt that Messi ‘robbed’ the award.
So you’re telling me Ronaldo did not deserve the #BallonDor for 70+ GA, his performances within the WC & successful the UCL in 2018 But Messi deserves the identical rigged / robbed award for a World Cup, 5 pens and 15 targets in a season Absolute Robbery pic.twitter.com/EVMlzrhehh
— Aishwarya (@timesofball) October 31, 2023
Erling Haaland led City to a treble of trophies final season — Champions League, English Premier League, FA Cup — whereas scoring 52 targets.
Kylian Mbappe hoped one other he may win the Ballon d’Or after he scored a hat trick within the World Cup last, although France misplaced in a penalty shootout.
(With inputs from Agencies)
