Image Credit: Tasnim News Agency
Lionel Messi has added another glittering achievement to his illustrious career, claiming his eighth Ballon d'Or award. The Inter Miami star received this prestigious accolade after a remarkable 2022-23 season, highlighted by his World Cup triumph with Argentina.
Messi's journey to this award began with his outstanding performance at Qatar 2022, where he was named the tournament's best player. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in helping Paris Saint-Germain secure another Ligue 1 title. At the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on October 30, Messi finally held the trophy that had eluded him for so long.
He faced fierce competition from Erling Haaland and former teammate Kylian Mbappe, both of whom also enjoyed outstanding seasons. However, Messi's accolades and contributions made him the deserving winner.
The official rankings for the Ballon d'Or shortlist unveiled the following standout players:
- Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
- Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
- Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Nicolo Barella (Inter)
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
- Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Andre Onana (Manchester United)
- Kim Min-Jae (Bayern Munich)
- Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
- Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)
- Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
- Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona)
- Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal)
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
- Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
- Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
- Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)
- Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
- Rodri (Manchester City)
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
- Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
