The 2023 Ballon d’Or went to Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, breaking the previous record for the 2022 World Cup victor.
Many believe that the Inter Miami star’s win of the coveted medal on Monday night in Paris, France, is just reward enough for his leadership of the Abiscelete to a World Cup victory late in the previous year.
After leading Argentina to victory at the World Cup last season, Messi, 36, takes over as the winner of the trophy from Karim Benzema.
Messi overcame fierce opposition from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in particular thanks to his performances in Qatar, when he led his nation to a victory that capped an incredible career.
READ ALSO: Drogba will give Messi the prize for 2023
In the end, Mbappe finished third, Kevin De Bruyne finished fourth, and Haaland came in second.
After Argentina defeated France on penalties in the World Cup final in Doha, former Barcelona star Lionel Messi scored seven goals and was crowned the tournament’s best player.
However, Messi, who took home the Ballon d’Or in 2009, also had a lacklustre last season with Paris Saint-Germain before departing to play Major League Soccer for Inter Miami.
His former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappe, proved his point during the World Cup with an incredible eight goal total, including a hat-trick for France in the championship game.
Haaland, a striker from Norway, scored an amazing 52 goals in 53 games for Manchester City, helping the team capitulate in the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Among the City team members who received nominations were De Bruyne and him.
