Lionel Messi wins Ballon d’Or 2023 award again

From left: Inter Miami CF’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi poses with his trophy next to Aston Villa’s Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Inter Milan’s Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez and Manchester City’s Argentine forward Julian Alvarez during the 2023 Ballon d’Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on 30 October

Lionel Messi has clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or title, winning the men’s award at the 2023 ceremony following his outstanding season leading Argentina to World Cup glory. 

Before moving to Inter Miami in the summer, the 36-year-old masterminded Argentina’s victory in Qatar, scoring twice during the final, while also finding the back of the net during a penalty shoot-out, to help the team defeat 2018 winners France.

He also scored a whopping 32 goals in 55 games across all competitions for PSG, to help the side clinch the Ligue 1 title. 

David Beckham, the co-owner of Inter Miami, presented him with the coveted award at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, to a standing ovation from members of the crowd. 

“It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,” said Messi. “To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.”

Didier Drogba, who was leading the ceremony, asked if this Ballon d’Or was more special, considering it came from winning the 2022 World Cup, to which the 36-year-old replied, “They are all special.”

He added, “I couldn’t imagine having the career I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved, the fortune I’ve had to be part of the best team in history.”

“To win the Copa America and to get the World Cup after all those difficult moments in the national teams,” continues Messi.

Speaking on Messi, Beckham said, “It’s very special to say he’s a Miami player and he’s in our city. He’ll celebrate this with his team-mates and his family in his way.”

“We’ll do our best to celebrate it in the Miami way. I’m sure we can do a good party.” 

The four-time champions league winner beat some tough competition to claim first place, with Erling Haaland coming in second, Kylian Mbappe coming in third and Kevin De Bruyne ranking fourth. 

There were seven Man City players included in the rankings with five of them, Haaland, De Bruyne (4th), Rodri (5th), Julian Alvarez (7th) Bernardo Silva (9th) making the top 10. 

And it was a big night for the Premier League champions, with the club also picking up the best team award. 

Aitana Bonmati, meanwhile, claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or, after helping to guide Spain to World Cup glory in the summer, where she was named the player of the tournament after her epic performances. 

The Barcelona midfielder also helped her club side clinch their fourth successive Liga F title, while also winning the women’s Champions League this year, their second European title in the last three seasons. 

“I’m very proud to win the Ballon d’Or,” she said. “Football is a collective sport so I’d like to extend this prize to my team-mates and staff.”

“As role models we have a responsibility on and off the pitch.” She added. “We should be more than athletes and keep leading by example and fighting together for a better, peaceful and equal world. Finally congratulations to the other nominees. They’re great footballers.”

Chelsea star Sam Kerr came second, while Barcelona stars Salma Paralluelo and Fridolina Rolfo came third and fourth. 

England’s Lionesses Mary Earps and Rachel Daly made the top 10, with the goalkeeper placing fifth, while Daly finished 10. 

Haaland, despite coming runner-up, didn’t go home empty-handed, claiming the Gerd Muller Trophy for the best striker, after his stunning 52-goal season, helping City win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.