Not just rumours, but something certain. The European press also announced everything in advance. Some media had already placed his face on the Ballon d'Or. The wait was only for the official announcement. That announcement was made today at the Theater du Chatel in Paris. Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or for the eighth time.
In the race to win the Ballon d'Or 2023, Messi has overtaken Manchester City's Norwegian star Arling Holland and PSG's French star Kylian Mbappe.
Messi came to the venue wearing a black coat over a white shirt and a black bow tie. His three sons and wife Antonella Roccuzzo were with him at that time. Messi took pictures first with his wife and children and then solo in the sound of Leo Leo.
On this day, French journalist and presenter Sandy Héribert presented the award ceremony with Ivory Coast's legendary footballer Didier Drogba. Apart from the crowd of football stars, the presence of tennis superstar Novak Djokovic also caught the eye.
Real Madrid's English star Jude Bellingham won the Copa trophy for the best young player at the event. Spanish World Cup-winning female footballer Aitana Bonamati won the Women's Player of the Year award. And the main attraction of the event was the award of the best male footballer in the hands of Messi. English legend David Beckham announced that Messi won the 8th Ballon d'Or.
After Messi's name was announced, everyone present stood up and honored him. In response to receiving the award, Messi said, "I am happy to be here once again to enjoy the moment." At this time, Messi also expressed his feelings about winning the World Cup, "Winning the World Cup was my dream." It was very special that people from other countries also wanted Argentina to win the World Cup.
Messi also said about his achievements, 'I never dreamed of such a career. I have been very fortunate to do what I have achieved. I have played in the best team in the world, the best team in history. It made it easier for me to win trophies and individual awards.''
Last season was like a dream for Messi. The Inter Miami star also suffered the only blemish in his career during the season. After 36 years, Argentina won the World Cup with the hands of Messi. The Argentine captain became the best player in the tournament after winning the World Cup. Messi also said that winning the World Cup has fulfilled all his wishes.
But the fans expected that in the year of winning the World Cup, the Ballon d'Or award would also go to Messi. Those supporters in Paris are the ones who won today. Otherwise, Messi said that he has no desire for the Ballon d'Or.
Messi said the reason for such indifference to the Ballon d'Or, 'I have said it many times in my career that the Ballon d'Or is an important award. It is the most beautiful award on a personal level. But I never paid much attention to it. The most important was the party's achievement.
But even this indifference of Messi could not stop the Ballon d'Or from coming towards him. At the same time, this award brought him back to Paris. Messi left Paris at the end of last season after two bitter years at PSG. But this time 'LM Ten' can leave Paris with a big smile.
Who is winning which prize?
Male Player of the Year - Lionel Messi
Female Player of the Year - Aitana Bonmati
Club of the Year (Men) - Manchester City
Club of the Year (Women) - Barcelona
Lev Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper) - Emiliano Martinez
Jared Muller Trophy (Best Striker) - Arling Holland
Socrates Award (Involvement in Charity) - Vinicius Jr
Copa Trophy (Best Under-21 Player) - Jude Bellingham
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