Lionel Messi gained his eighth Ballon d’Or (AP Image)
Lionel Messi gained his file-extending eighth Ballon d’Or after beating the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Lionel Messi gained his file-extending eighth Ballon d’Or on Tuesday in Paris. Messi, who gained the FIFA World Cup 2022 final 12 months, beat the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win the golden ball for the eight-time which is three greater than the second most Cristiano Ronaldo – 5.
The Argentine obtained the award from soccer icon David Beckham who can also be his present membership – Inter Miami’s proprietor. Messi additionally acquired a standing ovation from everybody current on the mega ceremony in Paris.
Messi, 36, succeeds Karim Benzema as winner of the prize awarded for his performances final season.
Messi had an unimaginable World Cup final 12 months the place he carried Argentina on his shoulders and helped them win the coveted trophy for the third time. The 35-12 months-previous scored a brace within the ultimate towards France which went to the penalty shootout the place he additionally transformed a objective from the spot.
The prestigious award has been dominated during the last 15 years by Messi and his previous adversary Cristiano Ronaldo, who’ve gained it 13 occasions between them.
Only two different gamers have gained the Ballon d’Or since Ronaldo claimed his first in 2008 — Luka Modric gained it in 2018 and Karim Benzema was topped final 12 months following a superb season with Real Madrid.
He was awarded Golden Ball for being the most effective participant within the World Cup the place he netted 7 targets.
Earlier, within the 12 months, Messi gained the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award beating Halland and Kevin de Bruyne.
Messi benefited from a current change which suggests the award is now based mostly on a participant’s file during the last season, reasonably than over the course of the calendar 12 months.
The 35-12 months-previous additionally gained the Ligue 1 title together with his former membership Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) final season. However, he left the membership this season to affix Inter Miami the place he gained the League Cup which was the primary-ever trophy within the membership’s historical past,
Messi achieved a number of firsts by successful his eighth Ballon d’Or and likewise grew to become the primary MLS participant to win the celebrated trophy. Meanwhile, he’s the primary participant to win the Golden Balls in three completely different a long time.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland completed second within the race adopted by Messi’s former teammate Kyian Mbappe.
