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Date : 31st October, 2023
THE SOIL – Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, defeated Erling Haaland of Manchester City, the winner of the triple and the UEFA player of the year from Norway, to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or, marking his record eighth win in the competition.
Messi of Inter Miami, who last took home the trophy in 2021, was a key figure in helping Argentina defeat France in the World Cup final last year and win their first championship in 36 years.
After winning the final three Ballons d’Or from rival Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017, the 36-year-old currently leads Ronaldo by three titles. With five second-place finishes, Messi has now placed in the top three a record 14 times overall.
When asked whether he will continue until the World Cup in 2026, Messi replied, “I don’t think about it. Day by day, I’ll appreciate (my career). In the United States, the Copa America will take place initially in 2024. I don’t give the World Cup any thought.”
Emiliano Martinez, Messi’s teammate who won the World Cup, earlier took home the Lev Yashin trophy for greatest goalkeeper in the world.
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Messi Won his 1st Ballon d'Or in 2009 and Went on to Win 4 Consecutively Until 2012
Women’s World Cup champion Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder for Barcelona, took home the Ballon d’Or.
She told reporters, “It’s an individual trophy, but it can’t exist without a team.”
Messi came in second to Haaland at the UEFA awards in August. Messi won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 and went on to win four consecutively until 2012.
After leading City to the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season with 52 goals in 53 games across all competitions, Haaland, 23, was one of the heavy favourites to win his first Ballon d’Or.
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Messi's Incredible Run at the World Cup in Qatar Helped Him Defeat the Norwegian Striker for Trophy
However, Messi’s incredible run at the World Cup in Qatar—where he won the Silver Boot (seven goals and three assists) and the Golden Ball for best overall player—helped him defeat the Norwegian striker for the trophy.
Prior to joining Inter Miami and helping the Major League Soccer team win the Leagues Cup, their first major trophy, Messi also won the Ligue 1 championship with Paris St. Germain.
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