Inter Miami forward, Lionel Messi has won the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards, making it a record eighth time in his career.
Messi clinched the award three times more than anyone else, in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and now (2023).
The 36-year-old was named the Ballon d’Or 2023 winner at a ceremony in Paris, France on Monday, 30th of October 2023.
Speaking after receiving the award, he said: “Thank you very much, to share this with my national team-mates for what we were able to achieve with the national team.
“The entire group, the coaching staff, everyone involved. I’m delighted to be here once more to be able to enjoy this moment one more time.
“To be able to win the World Cup and really achieve my dream, to share this with all those who were involved.”
Fittingly, to celebrate his World Cup success, he added: “To finish, I want to say happy birthday to Diego Maradona.”
Messi beat Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Victor Osimhen (Napoli), and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona); amongst many other male nominees.
See the list of Ballon d’Or 2023 nominees (Male) below:
Josko Gvardiol
Andre Onana
Karim Benzema
Mohamed Salah
Jamal Musiala
Bukayo Saka
Randal Kolo Muani
Jude Bellingham
Kevin De Bruyne
Bernardo Silva
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Emiliano Martinez
Ruben Dias
Nicolo Barella
Erling Haaland
Martin Odegaard
Ilkay Gundogan
Yassine Bounou
Julian Alvarez
Vinicius Jr
Rodrigo
Lionel Messi (Winner)
Antoine Griezmann
Lautaro Martinez
Robert Lewandowski
Kim Min-Jae
Luka Modric
Kylian Mbappe
Victor Osimhen
Harry Kane.
