Lionel Messi wins Ballon d’Or for eighth time to end Cristiano Ronaldo debate
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Lionel Messi has extended his own record to become an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and end the Cristiano Ronaldo debate once and for all.
Now playing for Inter Miami, the 36-year-old was voted the winner ahead of Manchester City's Erling Haaland based solely on the 2022/23 season. Messi helped PSG to Ligue 1 glory as well as Argentina to World Cup gold in Qatar.
Now standing alone as the greatest player in history, Messi added the eighth golden ball trophy to his wins from 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021 which all featured his heroics for Barcelona.
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Messi said on stage: "I couldn't imagine having the career I've had and everything I've achieved, the fortune I've had to be part of the best team in history.
"To win the Copa America and to get the World Cup after all those difficult moments in the national teams."
Presented by Didier Drogba, the 2023 ceremony was held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris with magazine France Football holding the awards since 1956.
Ronaldo, 38, was not nominated for the top award for the first time since 2003, finishing outside the top 30 following his move to the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.
What advantages does Cristiano Ronaldo have over Lionel Messi? Tell us in the comments section below.
Haaland and Messi were the standout names with the winner voted for by the managers and captains of national teams and journalists from the top 100 FIFA ranked countries.
Messi, Haaland and Kylian Mbappe made up the top three with David Beckham on hand to announce the order of the top three after Vinicius Jr finished sixth, Rodri came in fifth and Kevin De Bruyne in third after helping City to the Treble.
After an emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton, Beckham was able to hand the iconic trophy to Messi whom he helped bring to the MLS with Inter Miami after he decided to leave PSG in the summer.
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Messi emotionally thanked his team-mates and family after extending his own record of honours to eight as voted for by professional players and coaches as well as reporters.
Former Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo won the award in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Ranked just outside the top 10 in 2023 were Mohamed Salah (11), Robert Lewandowski (12) and Yassine Bounou (13) with Jude Bellingham in 18th place.
The Real Madrid man finished one place above Harry Kane with reigning champion Karim Benzema coming in 16th.
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Lionel Messi
- Inter Miami
- MLS
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