Lionel Messi secures 2023 Ballon d'Or, besting Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe
PTC News Desk: In a star-studded ceremony held in Paris, Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d'Or win, solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The 36-year-old maestro, who had previously won the award in 2009, triumphed once again, succeeding Karim Benzema as the recipient of this prestigious accolade. Messi's latest Ballon d'Or recognition was a tribute to his exceptional performance during the previous season, particularly his instrumental role in leading Argentina to World Cup glory.
It was Messi's remarkable displays in Qatar that allowed him to outshine tough competition from the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. In the final voting, Haaland secured the second position, with Mbappe coming in third, and Kevin De Bruyne taking fourth place.
LIONEL MESSI IS THE 2023 MEN’S BALLON D’OR!
Eight Ballon d’Or for Argentina hero! ????????#ballondor pic.twitter.com/1slOJ6EoKj — Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
During the World Cup, the former Barcelona superstar found the back of the net seven times, earning himself the title of the tournament's best player. His crowning achievement came when Argentina clinched victory over France in a thrilling final that concluded in a penalty shootout in Doha.
Despite his World Cup heroics, Messi's last season with Paris Saint-Germain was somewhat lackluster, which ultimately led to his departure to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
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Lionel Messi's former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappe, also made a strong case for the Ballon d'Or with his stellar World Cup performances. Mbappe, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals, notably scored a hat-trick in the final match for France.
Meanwhile, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland had an exceptional season, netting an astonishing 52 goals in 53 games for Manchester City, contributing significantly to Pep Guardiola's squad's remarkable treble victory in the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Both Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, key members of the triumphant Manchester City team, were among the nominees for this prestigious award.
- With inputs from agencies
