MESSI WINS 2023 BALLON D’OR – Lionel Messi wins record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or
Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world, beating Norway’s UEFA Player of the Year and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize.
Inter Miami’s Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years when they beat defending champions France in the final last year.
The 36-year-old is now three Ballons d’Or clear of rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the last of his five trophies in 2017. Messi has now finished among the top three a record 14 times in total, finishing runner-up on five occasions.
Earlier, Messi’s World Cup-winning teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin award for the world’s best goalkeeper. Spain’s Women’s World Cup winner and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women’s Ballon d’Or.