Lionel Messi, no stranger to Ballon d'Or accolades, cherishes his eighth title even more as it follows his pivotal role in securing a FIFA World Cup victory for Argentina in Qatar last year.
Messi's impressive tally of seven goals in Qatar, along with his standout performance, earned him the title of the tournament's best player, ultimately leading Argentina to their third World Cup victory, the first since 1986. His exceptional showing at Qatar 2022 catapulted him to claim the prestigious award for an unprecedented eighth time, dethroning Karim Benzema.
Notably, Messi had also clinched the award in 2021 after steering Argentina to their first Copa America triumph since 1993. "This one is particularly special because it comes on the heels of our World Cup victory," stated the 36-year-old upon receiving the accolade in Paris on Tuesday.
In the race for the Ballon d'Or, Messi faced stiff competition from Kylian Mbappe, who secured the third spot, while Erling Haaland finished as the runner-up. Kevin de Bruyne secured fourth place in the final voting.
Although Messi secured his first Ballon d'Or back in 2009, he endured a relatively lackluster season at Paris Saint-Germain before his move to the American side Inter Miami.
He expressed gratitude towards his teammates and his homeland for their support in his journey to securing the coveted trophy, emphasizing that it is a dream come true for any football player.
When questioned about the possibility of clinching yet another Ballon d'Or, perhaps after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi remained coy, emphasizing that he is not currently preoccupied with long-term considerations but is instead relishing the day-to-day joy of playing football.
Messi disclosed that his primary focus is on the upcoming Copa America, scheduled to be held in the USA next year, and he is eagerly anticipating the tournament. He will make a decision regarding his participation in international tournaments only after the conclusion of this event.
Get Ready for the 2023 Ballon d'Or Ceremony: When, Where, and How to Tune In!
