Lionel Messi of Argentina has won the 2023 Ballon d’Or, setting a new record for the champion of the 2022 World Cup.
The Inter Miami player was crowned the recipient of the prestigious award on Monday night in Paris, France, in what many regard as a suitable reward after leading the Abiscelete to a World Cup victory late last year.
Messi, 36, succeeds Karim Benzema as the winner of the award for his performances last season, when he led Argentina to World Cup glory.
Messi was able to see off heavy competition from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in especially thanks to his performances in Qatar, where he carried his side to a victory that capped his extraordinary career.
Haaland came second in the final voting, with Mbappe third and Kevin De Bruyne in fourth place.
Former Barcelona superstar Messi scored seven times at the World Cup and was named the tournament’s best player after Argentina beat France on penalties in the final in Doha.
Yet Messi, who won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, also had an underwhelming final season at Paris Saint-Germain, before leaving to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
His old PSG teammate Mbappe made his case with his remarkable performances at the World Cup, which he finished as the top scorer on eight goals after netting a hat-trick in the final for France.
Norway striker Haaland scored an incredible 52 goals in 53 games for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble of English Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
He and De Bruyne were among members of that City team who were nominated.