ARGENTINA captain, Lionel Messi, on Monday, October 30 won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world at a ceremony in Paris, France.
Messi of Inter Miami in the United States (US) beat Norway’s UEFA player of the year and treble winner, Erling Haaland of Manchester City, to the prestigious prize.
France and Paris St Germain’s (PSG) Kylian Mbappe completed the list of the top three best players in the world.
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, both made history for Nigeria and Africa, as they finished in an impressive 8th and 20th positions in this year’s Men and Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings.
A message on Super Falcons’ official X handle congratulated Oshoala for the historic achievement both for Nigeria, describing her 20th place ranking is a historic and significant achievement for Africa.
Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years in Qatar last season.
He has won the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time, fending off competition from Manchester City striker, Haaland, after leading Argentina to the World Cup last year.
The 36-year-old player becomes the first MLS-based player to claim the coveted prize, although the triumph comes largely on the back of his exploits with his country in Qatar.
Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham, handed his prize-signing Messi the award in Paris.
Haaland, who scored 52 goals last season, as City won the Treble in 2022-23, finished second in the voting and won the Gerd Muller Trophy given to the best striker of the year.
“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had, everything that I’ve achieved,” Messi said after getting his award, adding: “The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies.
“To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them (Ballon d’Or awards) are special for different reasons.”
Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí, won the Ballon d’Or Féminin after a record-breaking year with club and country.
She helped Barça win Liga F and the Champions League last season before leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.
In other awards handed, Messi’s Argentina teammate, Emiliano Martinez, won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.
England and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, was handed the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21.
During his acceptance speech, Messi made a point of wishing Argentina countryman, Diego Maradona, happy birthday, saying: “My last mention is for Diego (Maradona). Today is his birthday.
“So I would like to remember him from here, surrounded by the best players, coaches and people who love football like he did.
“Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you.”
The 1986 World Cup winner, who died on November 22, 2020, would have been 63 on Monday.
Before now ceremony, no player had won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi, who first won it in 2009 and then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.
Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times, with Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten all three-time winners.
Messi scored 21 goals in 41 appearances last season, as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) retained the Ligue 1 title before moving to Inter Miami earlier this year.
Since moving then, he has scored 11 goals in 14 games for his new club, helping the franchise win its first-ever piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup.
He, however, missed several matches through injury at the end of the regular MLS season, as Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side came up short in their late push for a playoff spot.
It is Messi’s performances at the World Cup at the end of last year that have earned him an eighth Ballon d’Or, as Argentina ended a 36-year wait to be crowned world champions for the third time.
Messi, as captain, was instrumental to Argentina’s success in Qatar, scoring seven goals and assisting three more and was named as the Player of the Tournament.
He scored twice in the final and again in the penalty shootout against France.
At 36 and four months old, he also becomes the second oldest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or, replacing last year’s winner, Karim Benzema.
Only the inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews, in 1956, was older, having won it at 41.
Messi’s first six Ballons d’Or were won while he played for Barcelona, where he is the club’s record goal scorer and appearance holder, and the seventh time shortly after joining PSG in 2021, following Copa America success with Argentina.
