Argentina captain Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or title on Monday for the best player in the world. He beat Norway’s UEFA Player of the Year and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City. Messi had scored 32 goals in 55 games across all competitions for PSG, helping them win the Ligue 1 title, while Erling Haaland came second after his phenomenal season taling Man City to victory in the treble.
On the other hand, Kylian Mbappe came third, after the France star led his team to the final of the World Cup in 2022, reported Indian Express. Messi earlier lifted the Ballon d'Or, also known as the Golden Ball, for four consecutive years in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. He also clinched the prestigious prize in 2015, 2019 and 2021.
The award ceremony is organised by France Football to felicitate the world's best footballer for that previous season.
The Argentine-based legend is currently playing for the USA for Inter Miami. He played a crucial role in leading Argentina to their first World Cup victory in 36 years in 2022 by defeating defending champions France.
David Beckham, the co-owner of Inter Miami, presented the award to Messi at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. He 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," Indian Express quoted Beckham as saying.
After getting the award, Messi said that it was his dream to win the World Cup. "It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment," said Messi, as quoted by the Indian Express report.
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