Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentine men’s football team, made history by clinching the Ballon d’Or award for an unprecedented eighth time. The South American football legend expressed his exhilaration as he received the prestigious trophy from David Beckham on Monday, October 30, 2023. Reflecting on his remarkable achievements, Messi emphasized that each of these awards held a special place in his heart for various reasons.
In his own words, Messi stated, “It’s a wonderful feeling to be here once again and savor this moment. Winning the World Cup and realizing my dreams – it’s beyond my imagination. I couldn’t have envisioned the extraordinary career I’ve had and the incredible fortune of being a part of the greatest team in history. Each of these Ballon d’Or awards is unique and meaningful in its own way.”
When asked if he considered himself the greatest footballer of all time, Messi remained humble, saying, “As I’ve always maintained, I don’t know if I’m the best player in history or not. If I’m considered one of the best, that’s already an incredible honor.”
Messi’s journey with the Ballon d’Or began in 2009 when he first won the award. He followed it up with victories in 2010, 2011, and 2012. After a brief hiatus from the accolade, he returned to claim it in 2015, and then secured the honor in 2019, 2021, and 2023.