In what could be described as a coronation of football royalty, Lionel Messi is poised to claim his eighth Ballon d’Or, according to reports from the trusted source Fabrizio Romano.
It appears that all the signs and expectations are pointing towards Messi’s triumph, making him the ultimate winner once more. The official announcement is scheduled for Monday night in Paris, where Messi is set to etch his name further into football’s history books.
Lionel Messi’s seventh Ballon d’Or already positioned him as one of the greatest footballers of all time, but his eighth win is set to solidify his legendary status. The anticipation and the clear indications suggest that Messi will indeed clinch this historic award.
Thierry Henry, the legendary French striker, eloquently expressed the sentiment shared by many football enthusiasts worldwide, stating, “If you look at the way Messi won his country the World Cup, you can’t say that Messi doesn’t deserve the Ballon d’Or.” The burden on Messi’s shoulders to deliver the World Cup for Argentina was immense, and it became even heavier after certain key moments, like the Saudi Arabia match. Nevertheless, Messi made a promise to his fans, asking them to trust him, and he kept his word. This Ballon d’Or win is arguably the most deserving of his illustrious career.
Imagine claiming eight Ballon d’Or awards across three different decades, with the last one earned at the age of 36 years, 4 months, and 6 days. Messi’s enduring excellence is a testament to his unmatched talent and commitment to the sport.
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Ronald Araujo, a defender at Barcelona, has offered his unwavering support for Messi, echoing the sentiments of many fans worldwide. He stated, “I hope Messi can win the Ballon d’Or. He is the best player in the world and always will be. I have always said that, and we can all see the talent he has. He is amazing.”
Messi’s potential Ballon d’Or victory would mark several historical firsts:
- He would be the first player to win the Ballon d’Or while playing outside Europe.
- The first player from MLS/Inter Miami to claim the prestigious award.
- The first player to have won it in three different decades.
- The first player to win it at the age of 36, solidifying his status as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
- The first player to win it with three different clubs.
- Messi boasts the longest gap between his first and last Ballon d’Or victories.
- He holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or points won by a player.
- Messi’s triumph will contribute to Argentina’s record as the country with the most Ballon d’Or awards won.
- With this victory, Messi secures the most podium appearances, underscoring his unparalleled consistency and excellence.
Ronaldo Nazario, another football legend, left no room for doubt when he asserted, “This year’s Ballon d’Or should undoubtedly go to Lionel Messi. What Messi did at the World Cup was special. He reminded me of what Pelé and Maradona did.” The sentiment across the football world is unanimous – Lionel Messi is an extraordinary talent, and his legacy continues to be written in the stars.
