Lionel Messi beats Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win record eighth Ballon d’Or | Football News

Lionel Messi clinched his record eighth Ballon d’Or title on Monday. Messi, who captained Argentina to 2022 World Cup success in Qatar, pipped Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Messi had also scored 32 goals in 55 games across all competitions for PSG, helping them win the Ligue 1 title. Erling Haaland came second in the rankings after his excellent season helping Man City win the treble. Kylian Mbappe came third, after the France superstar lead his team to the final of the World Cup in 2022 – where he scored a hat-trick.
David Beckham, the co-owner of Inter Miami, presented him with the coveted award at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

Ocho veces ganador, un solo nombre: MESSI ⭐️ #LION8LdOr pic.twitter.com/JE26Myx4Q8
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 30, 2023
“It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,” said Messi.
After picking up his award, the Argentina World Cup winner reflected on his career saying it was his dream to win the World Cup.
“To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.”
Speaking on Messi, Beckham said: “It’s very special to say he’s a Miami player and he’s in our city. He’ll celebrate this with his team-mates and his family in his way.
“We’ll do our best to celebrate it in the Miami way. I’m sure we can do a good party.”
There were seven Man City players included in the rankings with five of them, Haaland, De Bruyne (4th), Rodri (5th), Julian Alvarez (7th) Bernardo Silva (9th) making the top ten.
Barcelona mid-fielder Aitana Bonmati claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or. She had guided the Spain to World Cup glory in the summer, where she was named the player of the tournament after her epic performances. She also helped her club side clinch their fourth successive Liga F title, also winning the women’s Champions League this year.
“I’m very proud to win the Ballon d’Or,’ she said. ‘Football is a collective sport so I’d like to extend this prize to my team-mates and staff.
“As role models we have a responsibility on and off the pitch. Most Read
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“We should be more than athletes and keep leading example and fighting together for a better, peaceful and equal world.
“Finally congratulations to the other nominees. They’re great footballers.”
Chelsea star Sam Kerr came second, while Barcelona stars Salma Paralluelo and Fridolina Rolfo came third and fourth.