‘Congratulations to GOAT’ – Fans react as Lionel Messi beats Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win Ballon d’Or 2023

The greatest footballer, Lionel Messi, won his record eighth Ballon d’Or award on October 30. Notably, no player in the history of football has won as many awards as Messi has ever. It puts him a notch higher now in the debate of the greatest football players of all time. However, the Argentina football player first won the award in 2009 and won it four times in a row until 2012.

Notably, this was the award he got for his contribution to Argentina in the Football World Cup 2022, where he helped his side win the mega-event. In the biggest football tournament, the 36-year-old legend gave a stellar performance and helped Argentina win their third Football World Cup. However, for the first time in his career, Messi won the Football World Cup.

Moreover, in the big tournament, Messi made a huge contribution to Argentina, where he scored seven goals and had three assists to his name. In addition, the attacking midfielder was named Player of the Tournament for his incredible run in the tournament.

The winning moment: 

The moment when 🐐 was announced as the #BallonDor winner.

– Lionel Messi, the icon!pic.twitter.com/QNZOmBgeMe

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 30, 2023

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe secured second and third spots in the voting after Lionel Messi

Apart from his contribution to Argentina, the great footballer played a key role in Inter Miami’s maiden title in Major League Soccer. However, the main competitors for Messi were the Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe. Haaland had a dream run in the season, scoring 52 goals in 53 appearances. Haaland won the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the Premier League.

Notably, it was indeed a great accomplishment. Not many have won the treble in the past. However,  it was not enough to overcome Messi. Meanwhile, Mbappe ended up being the third player on the list. The French athlete had a very good run individually in the Football World Cup 2022, where he was the highest goal scorer, including a sensational hat-trick in the final against Argentina.

Check out how fans have reacted to this news:

Congratulations to GOAT Messi

— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) October 31, 2023

Goat, 8th #BallonDor , One Leo Messi. pic.twitter.com/snXXFiwvXx

— Sameer Khanal (@Sameer_knl18) October 30, 2023

For Ronaldo Fans pic.twitter.com/rmNDrx1QXX

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 30, 2023

8th time wow
Messi is the Goat 🐐 pic.twitter.com/0vNxPKaEZn

— Sammy 𝕏 (@sammyX39) October 30, 2023

2022 – Won World Cup for his country

2023 – Won Ballon d'or for record 8th time

Truly the best ever..!!#BallonDor #LionelMessi #Messi pic.twitter.com/O8FEfJHitN

— CricWiz (@CricWizTalks) October 30, 2023

Earned not robbed pic.twitter.com/IfrwnOe4YG

— Harsh (@harshthengineer) October 30, 2023