Lionel Messi wins the Ballon d'Or 2023 award

Famous Argentinian football star Lionel Messi wins the Ballon d’Or 2023 award beating Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland. Spain footballer Aitana Bonmati claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or award.

Messi earned his eighth Ballon d’Or title winning the men’s award at the 2023 ceremony last night in Paris. He is the first M.L.S. (Major League Soccer) player to win this award.

HERE IS THE WINNER!

EIGHT BALLON D’OR FOR LIONEL MESSI! #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/LDS8mm8lug
— Madrid Fan (@peak_reborn) October 30, 2023

Lionel Messi wins the Ballon d’Or 2023 award

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual soccer award of the year and it rewards the best player over a year. Inter Miami president and former England captain David Beckham gave this award to 36-year-old Messi as best soccer player.

Lionel Messi after receiving his eighth Ballon d’Or award said in his speech that it’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment. And to be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.

💬 The speech of the 2023 Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi #ballondor pic.twitter.com/HRaNdRwclG
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

Click here to read the details on Belgium vs Sweden 2023 abandoned after the Brussels shooting

Messi received this award for the first time since he signed with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS) in July 2023. He was awarded due to his performance in helping carry Argentina to its first World Cup since 1986 last year. Messi scored two goals out of seven against France to help his nation win the title. He won the Most Valuable Player Award tournament.

Messi had previously won awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. Messi left European football at the end of last season as he moved from Paris Saint-Germain to join Major League Soccer Inter Miami. And now he becomes the first MLS player to win the Ballon d’Or award.