Football legend and World Cup winner Lionel Messi has won the Men’s Ballon d’Or award for the eighth time. 

The Argentina and Inter Miami forward was honored at the event in Paris, having played a key role in leading his country to victory in the World Cup held in Qatar last year. 

The announcement of Lionel Messi as the men’s Ballon d’Or winner for the 2022-23 season was not surprising, given his impressive performance.

His leadership, goals, and inspiration played a crucial role in securing Argentina’s World Cup victory, which had not been achieved since 1986.

The World Cup win in Qatar made it almost certain that Messi would extend his record of award wins to eight, despite the impressive efforts of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times, is Messi’s closest rival, but at 38 years old and not even nominated in the 30-man shortlist, it seems unlikely that the Portugal forward will be able to challenge Messi’s impressive haul.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, a midfielder for England and Real Madrid, received the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the world’s best player under the age of 21. 

Messi’s achievement in winning the Ballon d’Or extends his record as the most decorated recipient of the award, and he beat Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to the title.

Kylian Mbappe finished third in the Ballon d’Or ranking. Mbappe earned this third place finish after scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup final, becoming the second man to achieve this feat in a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Argentina. 

Lionel Messi expressed his delight in winning the award again, stating that it was a great moment for him to enjoy. Messi also expressed his satisfaction in achieving his dream of winning the World Cup. 

The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain star went on to acknowledge his good fortune in having such a successful career and being part of the best team in history.

His fellow Argentine, Emiliano Martinez was awarded the Yashin Trophy for being the best goalkeeper in the world. 

In the World Cup final, he saved a penalty from Kingsley Coman in the shootout, helping Argentina to secure their victory against France.

Martinez was also instrumental in helping Aston Villa finish seventh in the Premier League and qualify for the Europa Conference League.

Collins Nwokolo