Official: Barcelona legend Lionel Messi wins the Men’s Ballon d’Or 2023

Although there was nothing to indicate otherwise, and all the buzz had been stifled after news broke out earlier about the inevitable, there is still a sense of awe as Lionel Messi lifts his eighth Ballon d’Or.

Inarguably the greatest player of all time, Messi is no longer bound by the weight of winning individual accolades to cement his greatness.

2022 being a World Cup year, the Argentine conjured up every trick from his endless book of magical spells to spearhead his nation to ultimate glory, and complete the collection of every title he could have hoped to amass.

In his glittering career that has an overflowing list of accolades, this is the latest as he picks up the title of the best player in the world for an unprecedented eighth time.

Out of all the records to his name, this has to be one that may be impossible to surpass, at least in this generation.

Messi was also tipped by France coach Didier Deschamps, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, Manchester City midfielder Rodri and many others to lift the award again in a flurry of praise from friends, teammates and rivals – a testament to his genius.

Many will debate the merit of the award, given Erling Haaland’s incredible haul in Manchester City’s treble-winning season, but given that this was a World Cup year, the vote was always going to be skewed heavily in favour of the Argentine.

And the way he led his nation to the one title they desired most, the way he played throughout the tournament, and even at club level outside of his goals and assists – not many can be upset at the sport’s finest being given his flowers.