The eight triumphs are only a move away from Messi’s record, the Argentine is also the first player to win the trophy in three different decades (2009 to 2023). Currently at Inter Miami, he is also the first winner from a club outside Europe, although the award was given last season when he played for PSG. However, there is no doubt that the main reason for the triumph is the gold from the World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina dominated the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, the first time since the era of the late Diego Maradona. And on October 30, the day of the award ceremony, the legendary footballer would have celebrated his 63rd birthday.
“I want to mention Diego. There is no better place to wish him a happy birthday than here among the many people who love football. Diego, wherever you are, all the best,” Messi said on stage.
#30Oct???? • The Argentine, Lionel Messi, won his eighth Ballon d’Or this Monday, beating the Frenchman Kylian Mbappé and the Norwegian Erling Haaland. ⚽
Messi received the award from the hands of Englishman David Beckham, owner of his current club.
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— La Patilla (@la_patilla) October 30, 2023
However, it can be estimated that the Argentine will not add another Ballon d’Or. The line is on the young stars of today’s football. Twenty-year-old Jude Bellingham, twenty-three-year-old Erling Haaland, a year older Kylian Mbappé and others will fight for who will gradually take over the scepter after Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Haaland and Mbappé will one day win the Ballon d’Or. Erling also deserved it very much, winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup while also being the overall top scorer. This award could have been yours today,” he said to Haaland and Mbappé in the audience. “It will be a beautiful battle between them,” he said.
He symbolically took the trophy from the hands of David Beckham, legend of English football, former player of Manchester United and PSG and currently co-owner of Inter Miami. “It is very special to say that he is a player for our club. We’ll do our best to celebrate it all over town. I’m sure we can have a good party,” grinned Beckham.
Messi has already done everything possible in football during his career. He won the World Cup and continental championship Copa América, the Champions League, domestic competitions and cups, the Club World Cup and maybe even the Olympics.
“I couldn’t have imagined that I would have such a career. I was lucky to play for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies, but it wouldn’t be possible without teammates,” he said, apparently referring to Barcelona’s golden era. And is the eighth Ballon d’Or more special than the others in light of the World Cup triumph? “Everyone is special and different for different reasons,” added Messi.
2023-10-30 22:54:18
#day #win #Messi #told #Haaland #Mbappé #reminded #Maradona
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