Messi wins the Ballon d'Or after leading Argentina to World Cup title
The striker defeated Haaland and Mbappe for the prize
Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi was awarded the men’s Ballon d'Or for an eighth time in a ceremony in Paris on Monday after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year.
In doing so, the 36-year-old striker won the prize for a record-extending eighth time, beating out Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. France’s Kylian Mbappe, who became just the second man to score a hat trick in a World Cup final in the 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Argentina, finished third.
“It's nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,” Messi told the audience after being presented the award. “To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.”
The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain star, who joined MLS this past summer, added: “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. All of them [Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons.”
The Ballon d’Or is awarded each year by France Football to the year’s best soccer player. French for “Golden Ball,” the Ballon d’Or was first handed out in1956.
Messi won the award on what would have been Diego Maradona’s 63rd birthday. Many regard Maradona to be the greatest player in soccer history for helping Argentina win the 1986 World Cup. Maradona died in November 2020.
“There’s no better place to wish him happy birthday than around many people loving football,” Messi said. “Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This [award] also goes to you.”
In winning the award, Messi becomes the first active MLS player to win the Ballon d’Or.
England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was awarded the Kopa Trophy for the world's best player aged under 21.
Spain and Barcelona striker Aitana Bonmati, who helped her country win the Women’s World Cup this summer, was awarded the women’s Ballon d’Or.
“We have a responsibility on and off the pitch,” Bonmati said. “We should be more than athletes. Keep leading by example and keep fighting together for a better, peaceful and equal world.”