Lionel Messi wins the Golden Ball for the 8th time, setting a great record

As expected, Lionel Messi won the 2023 Ballon d'Or award from France Football magazine. This prestigious award ceremony took place at the Chatelet Theater (Paris, France) last night.

Messi won the 2023 Ballon d'Or (Photo: Getty).

Notably, the person who announced Messi's name and presented the award was David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami. Beckham was the one who had the greatest contribution in bringing El Pulga to the US to play, opening an exciting new chapter in the player's career.

This is Messi's 8th Ballon d'Or title in his career. Previously, the number 10 superstar was crowned in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

This player has extended his great record by becoming the player who won the most Golden Balls in his career, far surpassing the second place, C. Ronaldo (5 times).

The six players leading the vote for the 2023 Ballon d'Or (Photo: France Football).

In fact, Messi's victory in the 2023 Ballon d'Or was predicted many days before the ceremony. The Argentine superstar had a very successful year. In particular, Messi played a major role in helping the Argentine team win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

It was a tournament where El Pulga shone brightly, contributing 7 goals (including a brace in the final against France) to help Argentina reach the top of the world for the first time since 1986. He won the 2022 World Cup Best Player award after a superb performance.

This is what makes Messi more highly regarded than Erling Haaland in the Ballon d'Or race. The Norwegian striker also had a successful year with Man City, winning a historic treble. However, according to many experts, Haaland's titles have been overshadowed by Messi's World Cup victory.

Haaland was, however, consoled by receiving the Silver Ball and the Gerd Muller Trophy (for best striker) at the awards ceremony, while Kylian Mbappe won the Bronze Ball.

Erling Haaland won the Silver Ball and Best Striker awards (Photo: AFP).

Speaking on the podium, Messi said: "It's a pleasure to stand here again and enjoy this moment. Thank you to everyone. I want to share this title with my teammates for their contributions to the great success of the Argentina team.

I want to thank the coaching staff and everyone who made Argentina such a great achievement. I could not have imagined what I would achieve in my career. I was lucky to be part of the best team in history.

We won two Copa America and World Cup titles in a row after very difficult moments".

Speaking about Messi, Beckham shared: "It's special and proud to say that Messi is an Inter Miami player and lives in the beautiful city of Miami. He will celebrate this title with his teammates and family in his own way.

We will also celebrate this title the Miami way. I am sure everyone will have a great time."

Aitana Bonmati won the Golden Ball award for female players (Photo: Goal).

Meanwhile, the Golden Ball for women's players went to Aitana Bonmati. The 25-year-old midfielder has shone brightly, helping Barcelona win the Women's Champions League and leading Spain to the 2023 Women's World Cup.

The Best Goalkeeper (Lev Yashin Trophy) award belongs to Emiliano Martinez. This player is a solid support for the Argentina team to win the 2023 World Cup.

The Kopa Trophy went to Jude Bellingham, the young Englishman who has been impressive for Real Madrid this season.

Titles awarded at the 2023 Golden Ball Gala:

Men's Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi (Argentina/Inter Miami).

Women's Golden Ball: Aitana Bonmati (Spain/Barcelona).

Best striker: Erling Haaland (Norway/Man City).

Best goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (Argentina/Aston Villa).

Best Young Player: Jude Bellingham (England/Real Madrid).

Best Men's Team: Man City

Best Women's Team: Barcelona

Socrates Award (honoring players with contributions to society): Vinicius Jr (Brazil/Real Madrid).

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/lionel-messi-lan-thu-8-gianh-qua-bong-vang-lap-ky-luc-vi-dai-20231031051416846.htm