The world of football was left in awe as Lionel Messi secured his 8th Balon d’Or, beating out Norwegian striker Braut Erling Haaland, who had an outstanding year with Manchester City, winning the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, and the English FA Cup, while also scoring a staggering 56 goals for both club and country.
However, Messi was able to edge out Haaland due to his success in the World Cup, which had taken place in December 2022.
The decision to award the Balon d’Or to Messi has divided opinions among fans worldwide, with many arguing that he was a well-deserved winner, while others feel that Haaland’s achievements should have earned him the trophy.
Fans and analysts alike have pointed out that previous editions of the award in World Cup years have seen the World Cup winners overlooked, as was the case in 2010 when Iniesta and Xavi were deemed more deserving.
Many have also suggested that Messi’s national teammate, Julian Alvarez, who won the treble along with the World Cup, should have been the outright winner based on the merit of trophies won.
Despite the controversy, it is hard to argue against Messi’s incredible season, during which he led Argentina to World Cup glory and was instrumental in PSG’s success in both the French Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League. Messi’s 8th Balon d’Or puts him in a league of his own, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Spain’s Aitana Bonmati claimed the women’s award. However, Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to Lionel Messi’s 8th Ballon D’or win.
According to him:”He went to retire at Miami, but he was already looking like retired at PSG to prepare for the World Cup, he won the World Cup, yes, well, but with 6 penalties. The World Cup was 10 months ago, we’re in November. Messi has eight Ballon d’Ors well, he should’ve have five, he has the Ballon d’Ors of Iniesta/Xavi, Lewandowski who won 6 trophies in one season and Haaland who was the top scorer of everything.”
