Argentine football legend Lionel Messi secured a historic eighth Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world on Monday, surpassing Norway’s Erling Haaland, the UEFA player of the year and treble winner with Manchester City. Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumph at the World Cup, marking their first title in 36 years.
The 36-year-old Messi extends his lead, being three Ballons d’Or ahead of his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who last won the prestigious trophy in 2017. Messi has now finished among the top three a record 14 times, with five runner-up positions. Reflecting on his illustrious career, Messi expressed gratitude for playing with the best team in the world and winning individual trophies.
“All of them (Ballon d’Or awards) are special for different reasons,” Messi stated. “I’m happy to get that recognition that I’m getting thanks to what we have achieved with the national team.”
Emiliano Martinez, Messi’s World Cup-winning teammate, received the Lev Yashin award for the world’s best goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Spain’s Women’s World Cup winner and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or.
Haaland, the 23-year-old Norwegian striker, was a strong contender for his first Ballon d’Or after a remarkable season with City, scoring 52 goals in 53 matches across all competitions. However, Messi’s stellar performance at the World Cup, where he earned the Golden Ball and Silver Boot, secured him the coveted award.
Messi, who won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, added the World Cup to his impressive list of achievements, making amends for Argentina’s loss in the 2014 final. The star player also became the third in history to score 100 international goals. Before joining Inter Miami, Messi clinched the Ligue 1 title with Paris St Germain.
In other awards, Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy for the best Under-21 player, while Vinicius Jr. received the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work off the pitch.
