Lionel Messi extends Ballon d’Or lead over Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or at last night’s ceremony in Paris.

Messi won his record-extending Ballon d’Or after a campaign which saw him lift the ever-alluding World Cup for Argentina. The 36-year-old claimed the award ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who picked up the Gerd Muller Trophy for best goalscorer. Kylian Mbappé, who scored a memorable hat-trick in the World Cup final, becoming just the second player to do so, finished third.

Upon receiving the award, the Barcelona legend said, “It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this award…To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream. All of them (Ballon d’Or awards) are special for different reasons.”

This trophy now means he has won three more Ballon d’Or awards than anyone else, with Christiano Ronaldo having won the award five times.

GSFN | Finn Entwistle