In a stunning victory, Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or, extending his lead over long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s five. The 36-year-old football legend narrowly beat out European treble winner Erling Haaland and the World Cup final hero, Kylian Mbappe, in the race for the coveted individual prize.
Haaland’s remarkable debut season at Manchester City, featuring 52 goals across all competitions, including 36 in the Premier League and 12 in the Champions League, fell just short of the top football honor. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain’s Mbappe, who shone with a jaw-dropping hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final, came close to claiming the award, making history with four World Cup final goals.
However, it was Messi who ultimately triumphed, sealing the deal with a spot-kick goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw. In Qatar, Messi showcased his brilliance, tallying seven goals and three assists in just seven games, leading Argentina to their third World Cup crown, their first since 1986 when Diego Maradona reigned.
This marked Messi’s second international trophy following his Copa America win in 2021 and his 41st title overall, which included four Champions League and ten LaLiga titles during his time at Barcelona. Many consider this victory as the final chapter in the ongoing debate over the greatest footballer of all time, and it resonated with France Football voters, a panel of coaches and players.
Following his triumph in December, Messi decided to retire from elite-level football and join MLS side Inter Miami, turning down offers from PSG and Barcelona, thus beginning a new chapter in his illustrious career.
