Lionel Messi is, once again, the best soccer player in the world.
Messi, the Argentina superstar who led his country to the World Cup title last December before leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer, won the Ballon d’Or trophy for the eighth time on Monday.
Messi was the favorite to win the award again after his crowning achievement, when he led Argentina past France at the World Cup in Qatar, winning the title that eluded him for much of his accomplished soccer career.
Messi was presented the award by David Beckham, the Inter Miami co-owner who was instrumental in recruiting Messi to the MLS club this summer.
“It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,” Messi said. “To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.”
Messi beat out Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and French star and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe for the award.
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or, translated to Golden Ball in French and considered the most prestigious individual award in soccer, more than any other player. Only Cristiano Ronaldo comes close with five.
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
Lionel Messi is first Ballon d’Or winner in MLS
Messi made history, becoming the first Major League Soccer player to win the Ballon d’Or trophy.
Messi joined Inter Miami, quickly transforming the aspiring MLS franchise into one of soccer’s most popular clubs with his addition this summer.
Messi became the first MLS player nominated for the award since Beckham was in 2007, when he joined the LA Galaxy after leaving Real Madrid.
Jorge and Jose Mas, Inter Miami co-owners, were also in attendance for Messi’s honor.
Leo Messi is in exclusive company with Ballon d’Or trophy
Messi’s World Cup title also put him exclusive company as the ninth player to win the World Cup, Ballon d’Or and Champions League titles.
Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Paolo Rossi, Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaká have also accomplished the feat.
Messi, 36, has also become the oldest player to win the award since Stanley Matthews won the first award at age 48 in 1956. Karim Benzema held the distinction last year at 34 years old.
Leo Messi’s run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Messi’s run at the 2022 World Cup was unparalleled and solidified his standing as one of soccer’s greatest players.
Messi scored two goals plus another in the penalty round to help Argentina beat France 3-3 (4-2 in penalty kicks), despite a hat trick from Kylian Mbappe that forced extra time during the final on Dec. 18, 2022.
Argentina won for the first time since 1986 and achieved redemption after losing to Germany in the 2014 final.
Messi won the Golden Ball – given to the best player at the World Cup – becoming the only player to win the award twice in tournament history. He scored seven goals, one shy of Mbappe, the Golden Boot winner.
Messi also became the first player in World Cup history to score in the group stage, the Round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal and the final at a single tournament.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi waves after receiving the Golden Ball award for best player of the 2022 World in Qatar.
Leo Messi leaves PSG for Inter Miami
Messi’s time with Paris Saint-Germain came to a bitter end earlier this year.
Although Messi tallied 21 goals and 20 assists in 41 matches, helping PSG win its 11th Ligue 1 title, the French club was eliminated in the Champions League Round of 16.
Messi played his last match with PSG in early June before joining Inter Miami in late July.
Messi scored 11 goals in 14 games with Inter Miami, helping the club win its first title in the Leagues Cup tournament, while finishing as runner up in the U.S. Open Cup. Inter Miami will begin the CONCACAF Champions League tournament next year in the Round of 16 because of their Leagues Cup title.
Inter Miami was 8-4-2 (win-draw-losses) in games Messi appeared in this season but failed to reach the MLS postseason.
Aitana Bonmati won the women’s Ballon d’Or, given to the best women’s soccer player in the world.Bontami led Spain to the Women’s World Cup title in August, scoring three goals, adding two assists and winning the Golden Ball for the best player. She also helped Barcelona win the Spanish league and its second Champions League title.Bonmati won ahead of Australia’s Sam Kerr and Barcelona teammate Salma Paralluelo.
Here are the 2023 Ballon d’Or winners
∎ Manchester City won men’s club of the year.
∎ Erling Haaland won the Gerd Muller Trophy, given to the highest scoring player, after 56 goals with Manchester City and Norway last year.
∎ Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez, who plays with Aston Villa, won the Yachine Trophy, given to the best goalkeeper.
∎ FC Barcelona won women’s club of the year.
∎ Brazilian Vinicius Junior, who plays for Real Madrid, won the Socrates Award, for his humanitarian work off the football pitch.
∎ Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy, given to the best player under the game of 21.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lionel Messi: Soccer star wins 8th Ballon d’Or, first for MLS player
