There has been a new twist to Paris whereby Lionel Messi has bagged his eighth Ballon d’Or award taking lead in headlines. Finally, in a fitting climax to his distinguished Soccer career, he clinched the crown at the top France Football event which took place in Paris on October 30 this year.

Currently, he holds an amazing eight consecutive victories in the category of Ballon d’Or. The most memorable success among these ones is his triumph in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and this year of 202 Messi has now placed himself on a height nobody will have ever done in the story of football.

Lionel Messi’s path to this extraordinary achievement is like an incredible sports story. The 36-year-old maestro, frequently hailed as the greatest football player of all time, changed the course of history by accomplishing his life’s goal, which was to steer Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar a year ago.

Messi’s win this year was nothing short of astonishing. He triumphed over fierce competition, including Manchester City’s prolific forward, Erling Haaland, and his former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappe. This win is all the more extraordinary given the relatively subdued performance of Messi at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2022/23 campaign, where he netted 21 goals in 41 games, notably less impressive compared to his usual high standards.

The Performer for Ballon d’Or

Though, Messi’s card up his sleeve was marvelous show during 2022 FIFA world cup in qatar. In his four World Cup matches for Argentina, he scored seven goals and assisted thrice. He could not demonstrate his excellence better than in the last match with France, where he scored two goals, bringing triumph to Argentina.

However, his journey to achieve this historical triumph of the Ballon d’Or was taken in an odd direction when he decided to leave elite European football for joining Inter Miami of the US. There was so much excitement surrounding his joining Inter Miami; an (MLS) move that will undoubtedly impact the latter’s career positively. However, under Messi’s short time with the club, he has already done very well enough as he is responsible for the team’s incredible win of the American Leagues Cup, an accomplishment that is worth remembering.

The Award Presentation Ballon d’Or 2023

This accolade has added yet another layer to Messi’s legacy, as he becomes the first MLS-based player to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Former Manchester United star David Beckham, an owner of Inter Miami, presented Messi with the trophy. Messi expressed happiness with his choices, affirming his joy in being part of Miami’s exciting journey.

Tribute to the Legends

However, the scale of Messi’s achievements exceed the great talent that exists in Messi on the pitch. He has gone beyond borders, broken records as well as motivating many people all over the globe. Messi gave tribute to the legendary Argentine Diego Maradona who was instrumental during the victory of World Cup in the year 1986. Messi said, “Mine is also yours, Dad. The title of the best player of the World Cup belongs to Argentina”.

In the soccer world, the name Messi has now come to mean greatness and beyond. There is no other person alive today who should be considered an icon in the world of football than Lionel Messi. The eighth Ballon d’Or victory stands for him as the most extraordinary contributor in football history. The challenges that messi have encountered during his career change have not dampened his spirits towards the ball game.

This could be highly significant. Lionel Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or cements him as a timeless football legend. He resets what is good and defines his name for years to come.

Also Read