Clara Kuang (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Renowned Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi won the Ballon D’or for Best Player in the World of 2023, marking his 8th Ballon D’or in his career. On the night of October 30, David Beckham hands over the esteemed award to Messi.
The Ballon D’or is a prestigious annual football award given to the world’s most prominent football players. Since 1956, some of the greatest players, including Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo, have been crowned with the Golden Ball. Previously, the Ballon D’or was granted to players with outstanding performance through a calendar year. For the first time last year, the trophy, organized by France Football magazine, based players of notable achievements by the past season.
This year, the 36 year-old football player surpassed Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, who broke records with 52 goals last season. Although disappointed, Norwegian fans were not surprised by Messi’s win over Haaland. Kevin de Bruyne finished fourth, and Rodri followed as fifth.
Messi’s nomination cannot be without the success of Argentina in the 2023 FIFA World Cup. Scoring 7 goals and 3 assists in Qatar, Messi carried Argentina to triumph.
“I’m happy to get that recognition that I’m getting thanks to what we have achieved with the national team,” Messi said later in an interview.
Moreover, Messi proceeds to thank his Argentinian coach, team, and family for making this achievement possible, while also paying tribute to fellow late Argentine football player, Diego Maradona.
“Wherever you are, happy birthday Diego. This is also for you,” said Messi.
Since signing to Inter-Miami of the United States, Messi has brought the team to victory in the U.S. Leagues Cup. Messi’s promising career journey in Inter-Miami keeps the fans’ hopes high, for his next international award…
