Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or triumph: A historic milestone

Posted : 31 October 2023

In the world of football, the 36-year-old maestro has once again left his indelible mark. Leo Messi, the Argentine sensation, clinched the prestigious Player of the Year award, shattering his own records. While the official title pertains to the year 2023, Messi's mastery extends back to 2022 when he led Argentina to World Cup glory.

At the age of 36, Messi continues to script history. He secured his eighth Ballon d'Or, a coveted honor presented by France Football magazine to the world's finest footballer. This achievement further solidifies his dominance, leaving his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in his wake, with "only" five Ballon d'Or titles to his name.

Messi's remarkable journey this year began with his remarkable performances at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in the summer. He notched up an impressive tally of 11 goals and five assists in just 14 games, also guiding his team to League Cup victory. However, the Ballon d'Or is an accolade that he owes to his exceptional performance in the 2022 World Cup. It's worth noting that the previous Ballon d'Or ceremony was held before the winter World Cup in Qatar, making this year's award a deferred recognition of his achievements in the previous year.

Messi led Argentina to their third World Cup victory, ending a 36-year-long wait, with his remarkable contributions in every knockout stage, including a crucial brace in the final. "This year, I fulfilled a dream by winning the World Cup," Messi said, "I want to thank everyone who helped me get where I am. It's symbolic that I'm getting the Ballon d'Or on the third anniversary of Diego Maradona's death."

Remarkably, Messi becomes the first Ballon d'Or recipient to represent a team outside of Europe, and he stands alone as the only player to claim the award in three different decades. At 36, he becomes the second-oldest player to ever win the title, trailing only England's Stanley Matthews, who achieved the feat at the age of 41 in 1956.

It's essential to note that the Ballon d'Or is awarded based on an individual's abilities in conjunction with their team's achievements from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. Unlike previous years, where the title was based on a calendar year, the pivotal role played by Messi in Argentina's World Cup victory became the decisive factor.

Erling Haaland, who steered Manchester City to an unforgettable treble and broke the Premier League's single-season goals record with 36 strikes, stood as a formidable contender. Likewise, Kylian Mbappe, who scored a memorable goal in the World Cup final, though France fell in a penalty shootout. Kevin De Bruyne secured fourth place, and Rodri rounded out the top five.

Messi's name is etched in the annals of football history as the unparalleled Ballon d'Or record-holder, with eight titles to his name. His first win came in 2009 when he enjoyed a flawless year, securing all six titles with Barcelona. His legacy continued to grow, securing titles in 2010, 2011, and 2012. In 2012, he set a new record for goals in a single year (91), surpassing the greats like Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten, becoming the first player ever to win the Ballon d'Or four times.

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo took center stage in 2013 and 2014 when Ronaldo claimed the title, reducing Messi's lead to 4-3. However, Messi clinched his fifth title after another treble-winning season with Barcelona in 2015. Ronaldo answered with two consecutive wins in 2016 and 2017, resulting in an astonishing 5-5 tie between the two arch-rivals. Astonishingly, they monopolized the Ballon d'Or for an entire decade.

The reign of the duopoly was disrupted when Luka Modric secured the award in 2018, but Messi reclaimed the title in 2019. The seventh Ballon d'Or in 2021 added to his collection, although it was a subject of controversy. While he led Argentina to Copa America glory, many believed Robert Lewandowski deserved the title for his record-breaking 41 goals in a Bundesliga season. However, it's undeniable that Messi's legacy is now firmly established as he secures his eighth Ballon d'Or, a feat that is unlikely to be surpassed by the likes of Haaland, Mbappe, or even Ronaldo.

In other Ballon d'Or awards, Emiliano Martinez earned recognition as the Best Goalkeeper of the Year for his outstanding performances at the World Cup, contributing to Argentina's victory. The Young Player award was presented to England's Jude Bellingham, who made a remarkable start to the season at Real Madrid with 13 goals in 13 games, including a pair in the Clasico against Barcelona. Erling Haaland, with his 36 Premier League goals in the previous season, was crowned the Top Scorer of the Year.

Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or triumph: A historic milestone

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