Lionel Messi Clinches Eighth Ballon d'Or, Defeats Erling Haaland in 2023 Race
Lionel Messi has secured his record eighth Ballon d'Or award for 2023, surpassing strong competition from Erling Haaland of Manchester City. The star-studded ceremony in Paris saw Messi crowned with the prestigious Golden Ball, presented by football legend David Beckham.
The 36-year-old outshone Erling Haaland, who claimed second place, and Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain, who finished third. Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri rounded out the top five.
Further down the rankings, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior secured the sixth spot, followed by City's Julian Alvarez, Victor Osimhen, Bernardo Silva, and Real Madrid's Luka Modric in the top 10.
Messi's outstanding performances during the 2022 World Cup, where he scored in every knockout-stage game, played a significant role in his latest Ballon d'Or win. He also contributed to Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 title, tallying 16 goals and 16 assists.
Notably, Messi's eighth win solidifies his status as the best men's player globally, while Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, with five Ballon d'Or wins, wasn't shortlisted for the award for the first time since 2003.
The 36-year-old outshone Erling Haaland, who claimed second place, and Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain, who finished third. Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri rounded out the top five.
Further down the rankings, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior secured the sixth spot, followed by City's Julian Alvarez, Victor Osimhen, Bernardo Silva, and Real Madrid's Luka Modric in the top 10.
Messi's outstanding performances during the 2022 World Cup, where he scored in every knockout-stage game, played a significant role in his latest Ballon d'Or win. He also contributed to Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 title, tallying 16 goals and 16 assists.
Notably, Messi's eighth win solidifies his status as the best men's player globally, while Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, with five Ballon d'Or wins, wasn't shortlisted for the award for the first time since 2003.
