Argentina football team caption Lionel Messi bagged a historic eighth Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player on Monday. He surpassed Norway’s Erling Haaland, who had previously won the UEFA Player of the Year and had a triumphant season with Manchester City, clinching a treble.
Football legend Messi previously won the prestigious prize in 2021. His pivotal role in leading Argentina to their first World Cup victory in 36 years, defeating defending champions France in the final last year, was a key factor in securing this accolade.
At 36 years old, Messi now boasts three more Ballons d’Or than his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, with the latter’s last win dating back to 2017. Messi has remarkably finished among the top three a total of 14 times and has been the runner-up on five occasions.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Messi expressed his gratitude for his achievements, emphasizing the privilege of playing for the world’s greatest team and winning individual awards. He acknowledged the significance of winning the Copa America and the World Cup and deemed it truly amazing.
When asked about his plans leading up to the 2026 World Cup, Messi remained non-committal, stating that he prefers to enjoy his career day by day. He did, however, mention the upcoming Copa America in the United States in 2024.
What is the Ballon d’Or Award?
The Ballon d’Or is a prestigious individual award in the world of football (soccer). It is presented annually by the French magazine “France Football” to the best male football player in the world. The award was first introduced in 1956 and was originally open to European players who played in European clubs. However, in 1995, it was expanded to include all football players, regardless of their club or country of origin.
How to win the Ballon d’Or Award?
The Ballon d’Or is awarded based on the votes of a panel of international journalists, national team coaches and captains, and managers of international teams. The panel selects their top five players, and each selection is awarded points (6 points for the first choice, 4 for the second, 3 for the third, 2 for the fourth, and 1 for the fifth). The player with the highest total points is awarded the Ballon d’Or.
Winning the Ballon d’Or is considered a significant achievement in a footballer’s career and is a recognition of their outstanding skills, performance, and impact on the game during the calendar year. The award has been won by some of the greatest footballers in history, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé, Diego Maradona, and many others.
