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Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or this week.
This is the eighth time Messi has won this award. He also won the World Cup title with Argentina last year.
What Lionel Messi said
“I couldn’t have dreamed of having the career that I had, everything I’ve achieved. To have the success, the fortune I’ve had,” said Messi.
“The best team in the world, the best team in history, makes it so much easier to win so many titles, to win these individual prizes. To win the Copa America and then to get the World Cup, after so many difficult moments in the national team.
“Being a world champion was fantastic. I feel so calm right now with this prize. To be able to have the career I’ve had, and enjoy football as much as I have.”
Messi first won the award in 2009 – and again in 2010, 2011 and 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.
“They’re all special these awards, the most special is the team prizes. It’s always special to be recognised,” added Messi.
Wins for Haaland and Bellingham, too
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who scored 35 goals during the 2022-23 English Premier League, won the Gerd Muller Trophy for best goal-.scorer
“I want to thank Manchester City, the whole club,” said Haaland.
“I also want to thank my family and all the people around me for making me who I am today.”
England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy as the world’s best under-21 player.
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