Lionel Messi wins record eighth Ballon d’Or after World Cup glory with Argentina
Fans were furious after claiming Lionel Messi was ‘robbed’ of winning a Major League Soccer award this week, having seemed a favorite to pick up the gong. The Argentine moved to MLS this summer after signing for Inter Miami when his contract at French champions PSG expired.
The 36-year-old scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for his new club, as well as converting three spot-kicks in penalty shootouts. One of these spot-kicks came in the Leagues Cup final, which Miami won and sealed their first trophy in the process.
As a result, despite making just six appearances in league games, Messi was nominated for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award. But despite making the final shortlist, the soccer icon missed out as Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis was voted the winner. Messi earned 27.3% of the total votes for the award, while Giakoumakis received 45.8% of the vote.
The Greek player scored 17 goals in his 28 regular season appearances for the Eastern Conference team which helped them secure a spot in the Playoffs. Some criticized Messi’s nomination for the award despite only having six league games to his name. But his legion of fans were disappointed that he did not win the Newcomer of the Year award, despite his limited game time.
“How isn’t Messi winning he literally transformed the MLS,” one tweeted, before another posted: “Messi robbed.” Furthermore, one user wrote: “Shameful, Messi should be first,” while another said: “Messi should have won.”
Messi may not have won this award, but on Monday he was the biggest individual honor in soccer when he was awarded his eighth Balon d’Or. The forward has had a superb year, which included leading Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since 1986 in December 2022 in Qatar.
He scored seven goals, one of which was an important goal against Mexico in the group stages and two in the final, en route to guiding his nation to the trophy. “It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,” Messi said. “To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.”
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The former Barcelona star added: “I couldn’t imagine having the career I’ve had and everything I’ve achieved. The fortune I’ve had to be part of the best team in history. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”
He was presented with the award by Inter Miami owner David Beckham, who took to Instagram after the ceremony to congratulate Messi. “Huge honor to present Leo with his 8th Ballon d’Or tonight in Paris,” the former Manchester United player posted.
“Such a special night for Leo and his family and it was a privilege to be there to celebrate such an incredible achievement, Miami is truly honored to have The Best. Congratulations my friend @leomessi @intermiamicf.”
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