After the triumphs in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021, Lionel Messi now has the bragging rights for 2023 as well. The football superstar won the men’s Ballon d’Or for a record-extending eighth time on Monday after fulfilling his life’s ambition by leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar last year. Adding to his silverware the one major trophy that eluded him in his storied career was the decisive factor in an otherwise quite mundane season — for his standards — at Paris Saint-Germain. The 36-year-old Messi won ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and his former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe. Messi thanked his Argentina coach, teammates and staff for making his victory possible. He also paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona, who also helped Argentina win the World Cup, back in 1986. Aitana Bonmati won the women’s award for guiding Spain to victory at the Women’s World Cup in August. She also helped Barcelona win the Women’s Champions League and Spanish league.
Ballon D'Or 2023: Lionel Messi Pips Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe To Win Record Eighth Time; Aitana Bonmati Bags Women's Award - In Pics
After the triumphs in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021, Lionel Messi now has the bragging rights for 2023 as well. The football superstar won the men’s Ballon d’Or for a record-extending eighth time on Monday after fulfilling his life’s ambition by leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar last year. Adding to his silverware the one major trophy that eluded him in his storied career was the decisive factor in an otherwise quite mundane season — for his standards — at Paris Saint-Germain. The 36-year-old Messi won ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and his former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe. Messi thanked his Argentina coach, teammates and staff for making his victory possible. He also paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona, who also helped Argentina win the World Cup, back in 1986. Aitana Bonmati won the women’s award for guiding Spain to victory at the Women’s World Cup in August. She also helped Barcelona win the Women’s Champions League and Spanish league.
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