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Lionel Messi has been awarded the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time, setting a new record for being recognized as the greatest player in the world.
After joining Inter Miami in the MLS, the 36-year-old was widely expected to win another prestigious award, following Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar last year.
Aitana Bonmati took over as the recipient of the women’s Ballon d’Or from Alexia Putellas. She was instrumental in Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup and played a crucial role in Barcelona’s impressive 2022/23 season, which culminated in a comeback win in the Champions League final. Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and other players were also recognized with awards during the event.
Stay updated with the most recent response to the Ballon d’Or awards in Paris through our liveblog provided below:
Messi receives his eighth Ballon d’Or while Bonmati and Bellingham are also recognized with awards.
Lionel Messi is rejoicing over his eighth Ballon d’Or win, further solidifying his record for being recognized as the top player in the world.
Aitana Bonmati took over as the recipient of the Ballon d’Or Feminin, replacing Alexia Putellas as the previous winner. She was a standout midfielder for Spain during their victorious Women’s World Cup campaign and played a crucial role in Barcelona’s remarkable 2022/23 season, culminating in a comeback victory in the Champions League final.
Jude Bellingham, representing England, received the Kopa Trophy, which is given to the top young player in the world. Past recipients include Kylian Mbappe in 2018 and Barcelona’s Gavi in the previous year.
A comprehensive overview and recipients of recognition:
The Ballon d’Or awards are currently being broadcasted live.
That concludes our evening, except for a final announcement of the winners: Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Emi Martinez, Erling Haaland, Barcelona Femenin, Manchester City…and last but not least, Aitana Bonmati and Lionel Messi.
Congratulations to each!
Full report:
:
Live coverage of the Ballon d’Or awards.
Jude Bellingham, upon receiving the Kopa Trophy, stated:
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have aided me in reaching this stage – from Birmingham to Dortmund, and now Real Madrid and the national team.
“Thank you for the encouragement, it is greatly appreciated – and there is more to come.”
Live coverage of the Ballon d’Or awards.
The Ballon d’Or committee is strongly emphasizing the use of the number 8 and the infinity symbol. Is it supposed to be pronounced as “M8ssi”? I’m not fully convinced, sorry.
However, it is undeniable that the votes have been consistently strong. From 2009 to 2012, there were four consecutive wins, followed by only one win in the next six years. Yet, the votes bounced back with three more wins in the following five editions, even with one of them being cancelled. Overall, this is quite impressive.
Messi predicts that Haaland and Mbappe will eventually be awarded the Ballon d’Or. While it is likely that they will achieve this, it’s worth noting that he has made similar predictions about Neymar in the past. Only time will tell, as always.
Live coverage of the Ballon d’Or awards.
In any other year, Erling Haaland’s accomplishments and achievements might have earned him the award. However, since Messi’s success in winning the World Cup in Qatar, it is safe to say that he deserved it.
The Ballon d’Or awards are currently being broadcasted live.
Messi is of course an Inter Miami player now – one of the owners being David Beckham, who just gave him the prize.
Beckham expresses that having a Miami player in their city is a significant occurrence. As the player has stated, he will celebrate with his teammates and his incredible family, as well as back in Argentina.
He will try his hardest to commemorate it in his own style and we will do our best to celebrate it in a Miami-esque manner!
Messi invites his three sons to join in the festivities on stage! What a thoughtful gesture.
Live coverage of the Ballon d’Or awards.
After receiving his most recent accolade, Messi continues to talk.
“I never could have imagined the successful career I have had. I am grateful for the opportunities that led me to play for the top team in the world, arguably the best team in history. This has made it easier for me to win championships and personal accolades. Winning the Copa America and then the World Cup, especially after facing challenges with the national team, was an incredible achievement.”
Live coverage of the Ballon d’Or awards.
Messi expresses gratitude towards his teammates, extends congratulations to the other nominees, and expresses pride in receiving his eighth Ballon d’Or.
Messi remarks that although the players may vary, the quality never decreases during his long tenure on the stage.
“It was a dream come true to win the World Cup, and it was truly heartwarming to see people from other countries rooting for Argentina.”
updates
“Live updates for the Ballon d’Or awards.”
David Beckham is presenting the Ballon d’Or to the male recipient.
Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland are all contenders. The ultimate victor is:
Lionel Messi! AGAIN!
Source: independent.co.uk
